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1 



THE 

INVALID'S GUIDE 

TO THE 

VIRGINIA HOT SPRINGS: 

CONTAINING 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE 

MEDICAL PROPERTIES OF THESE WATERS, 

With Cases Illustrative of their Effects ; 

ALSO, 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE MEDICINAL APPLICATION 
AND EFFECTS OF THE WATERS OF 

WEISBADEN, WILDBAD, AND CARLSBAD. 

THREE OP THE MOST CELEBRATED HOT SPRINGS 
OF GERMANY, 

From the works of three distinguished British Physicians, 

DRS-'. JOHNSON & GRANVILLE, & MR. EBWIN LEE. 

By THOMAS qJOODE, M. D. 

Proprietor of the Virginia Hot Springs, 



5^^. 



RICHMOND : 

D. Bernard, printer, nearly opposite Exchange Bank. 
184S, 

■7-n 1 ; ,. 



3^ 



V 

;^ 
I 
4 

f INDEX. 

i 

PA6E 

Preface, 5 

Hot Springs, H 

Analysis of the Waters, 11 

Properties and Effects of the Waters, 11 

Character of the Diseases in which they are indi- 
cated, and their mode of action, 12 

Liver disease, with Dyspepsy, Diarrhoea, &c 13 

Paralysis, 42 

Deafness, 47 

Rheumatism, 50 

Old Injuries, 58 

Uterine Diseases, 60 

Loss of Voice, 61 

Neuralgia, 62 

Additional case of Liver Disease, 63 

General Remarks, 64 

Effects of the Warm, or Hot and Cold Bath de- 
monstrated and contrasted, 68 

Weisbaden, 72 

Wildbad, 79 

Carlsbad, 87 

Vindication of the Proprietor, 91 



PREFACE. 



The following publication, it is hoped, will correct 
some of the erroneous impressions which have been 
made upon the public mind, in relation to the Virgi- 
nia Hot Springs and their proprietor. A host of 
misrepresenters and cowardly backbiters have been 
assailing both, with the most mischievous intent, for 
ten years. These characters are met with during the 
season at most of the Springs, and on every road 
leading to them. But little which could excite appre- 
hension of danger, from using the baths, or prejudice 
against the owner, both as a man and a physician, has 
been left unasserted. Circumstances which never 
occurred at the place, have been minutely detailed, 
and so roundly asseverated to, that even the most 
incredulous have been led to believe and to act upon 
them— and many invalids, whose chief object in leav- 
ing their homes was to use these baths, have been 
induced to decline doing so. 

The following pertinent remarks by Mr. Burke, in 
his late work on the Mineral Springs of Virginia, 
are entitled to the serious consideration of the sick 



VI 



stranger: — "On no subject," says Mr. B., "is there, 
indeed, greater ignorance, whether as regards the 
distinguishing characteristic of each Spring, its pro- 
perties and proper use, or as regards the accommo- 
dations and other subjects of inquiry. The visiter 
very naturally supposes, that when he gets into their 
immediate vicinity, he will be enabled to procure all 
the information he desires ; but here, alas ! he is doom- 
ed to disappointment; and he will be fortunate if he 
be not made the dupe of some designing knave, who 
is interested in misleading him, by exaggerated com- 
mendations of some particular establishment or by 
injurious and false statemenis with regard to others. 
Misrepresentation seems to be reduced to system, 
and reports are set afloat, which though often evi- 
dently absurd, gain credence for the time, and answer 
all the purposes of the unprincipled propagators. 
This partisan warfare is carried on, not by the pro- 
prietors, but by underlings and loafers, who are irre- 
sponsible, and utterly regardless of the consequences 
of their imposture." 

"Nor can the stranger always rely on the profes- 
sional advice which is so freely obtruded upon him. 
We have known invalids persuaded to submit them- 
selves to a course of medical treatment, by boasting 
promises of cure, and who absolutely have not been 
permitted to touch that for which they came hun- 
dreds of miles, but have been blistered and cupped 
and leeched and depleted, both of circulating fluids 
and circulating medium. These remarks are made 
as an act of justice to the stranger, who may thereby 



vu 



be induced to make a more strict inquiry before lie 
commits himself to the advice and direction of one 
who may he either incompetent or unprincipled." 

Hot baths are potent agents— when indicated and 
properly applied, they often effect wonders. But 
when not indicated, or improperly applied, they may 
and do, often, caube serious injury. Hence the ne- 
cessity for proper advice before, and at least common 
prudence while, using them. 

The suspicious and censorious, who are seldom 
backward in tendering a disinterested and kind cau- 
tion, have succeeded in satisfying many that I am an 
unsafe adviser as to the proper method of using these 
baths. They urge, that 1 own the boarding establish- 
ment, and am interested in keeping the visiters here 
as long as possible, and if permitted, would advise 
and influence them accordingly. But this certainly 
is a most perverted view of the subject. If I could 
and were so to direct them as to render them nuga- 
tory, no cures could be effecied — they would soon 
lose their reputation and as property become value- 
less. And, on the other hand, one case manifestly 
injured, might keep away more persons than ten 
cures would attract to them; and if the owner M'as 
the veriest knave in Christendom, his pecuniary in- 
terest would oblige him to advise that application of 
the waters, which in his juda;ment would effect the 
speediest cure. So the invalid may see at the first 
glance, that he has a guarantee against intentional 
mal-advice on the part of the owner, which he can- 
not possibly have on the part of any one else. 



Vlll 



My warrant for offerin'j; my professional services" 
lo invalids visiting the Virginia Springs, rests on no 
slender foundation — I was a student in medicine near 
five years — I attended four full courses of medical 
lectures; three in Philadelphia and one in Edinburgh 
■ — I also attended the practice of the Pennsylvania 
Hospital for two entire seasons, and that of the Royal 
Infirmary in Edinburgh for one, and graduated in 
Philadelphia in the spring of 1811. 

My first visit to ouf Sulphur Springs was in the 
summer of 1815, and I have visited most of them re-* 
peatedly since, for the benefit of my own health— I 
have resided in the mineral region of Virginia for 
twenty-one years, and at the Hot Springs for twelve, 
where I have Vv'itnessed the effects of the baths on 
some six thousand invalids, most of whom had pre- 
viously visited some one or more of the Sulphur 
Springs; and from whom I learned more or less of 
the effects of those Springs upon themselves. 

As a claim has been set up by many to my profes- 
sional advice, gratuitously, I must beg leave to say in 
answer to it — that I have a family to provide for — 
that I have always paid a full equivalent for every 
thing I have received at the hands of others, and shall 
expect the same for all I may be required to perform, 
If medical advice be necessary, I am upon every 
principle of justice and fair dealing, entitled to com-^ 
pensation for it; and if it is not, it is superfluous ta 
seek it. 

My fee for advice in each and every instance will 
be $3, or the invalid by paying $5, may apply fos 



IX 



advice during his slay — Visits to rooms or cabins in 
the day, $1 each — when called out of bed, $5 — with 
such charges for medicines and the ordinary profes- 
sional services as are common among country prac- 
titioners. The clergy of all denominations, who are 
dependent on their salaries for a support — will be 
prescribed for and attended to gratuitously. 

TH. GOODE. 



^ 



VIRGINIA HOT SPRINGS 



There are six baths at this place— five of them 
spouts, and of the following degrees of Fahrenheit- 
98, 100, 102, 106. 

These waters have been critically analyzed by 
Prof. Wm. B. Rogers, of the University of Virginia 
The saline ingredients in 100 cubic inches of water 
are : 

Carbonate of Lime, 7.013 

Carbonate Magnesia, ! 1.324 

Sulphate of Lime, 1.302 

Sulphate Magnesia, 1.530 

Sulphate Soda, \\[\ l'363 

Chloride of Sodium and Magnesium 1 
with a trace of Chloride of Calci- > 0.105 
urn, i 

Proto-carbonate of Iron, 0.096 

Silica, 0.045 



12.778 
The free gas consists of Nitrogen, Oxygen and 
Carbonic Acid Gas. 

Some of the effects, when drank, are such as we 
should expect from our knowledge of their consti- 
tuent parts. But the chemical composition of a mi- 
neral water can lead to no safe conclu.5ions as to its 
full medicinal powers. Its most potent part may be 
incapable of analysis or destroyed by the process, and 
Its mere propcHies cannot be developed by analysis. 
It belongs to clinical observation— to multiplied facts 
—to determine their therapeutical action, and our 



12 

onlv sure test, is experience of the actual result, when 
applied to the diseased human system. Mineral waters 
when propcriv applied, not only produce effects from 
ten to twenty fold greater than the same ingredients 
combined by art— but effects whicli cannot be derived 
from any artificial combination whatever; and conse- 
quenily, oftentimes constitute the invalid's last hope. 
I have resided at tiie Hot Springs for twelve years, 
and watched their effects on many thousand invalids, 
with all the interest which ownership, and a sincere 
sympathy for suffering humanity could excite and 
the results of my observations are these:— When 
taken internally, they are anti-acid, mildly aperient 
and freely diuretic and diaphoretic. But when used 
as a general bath, their effects are great and excel all 
expectatioH. They equalize an unbalanced circula- 
tion and thereby restore to the different important 
oro-ans in the system, when torpid, that natural and 
peculiar sensibility, upon the existence of which, 
their capacity to perform their respective lunctions, 
and the beneficial action of all remedies depend. 
They relax contracted tendons— excite the action oi 
the absorbent vessels— promote glandular secretion- 
exert a marked and salutary influence over the bilia- 
ry and uterine systems, and often relieve, in a short 
time, excruciating pain, caused by palpable and long 
standing disease in some vital organ. _ 

These waters are suited only to chronic conditions 
of the system. Da. James Johnson, of London, after 
enumerating the diseases in which Thermal Waters 
are inadmissible, adds—" But there is a long catalogue 
of chronic disorders, to which Thermal Medicinal Ha- 
ters, both internally and externally applied, prove 
extremely useful. Thermal Wateis act in three prin- 
cipal ways on the human machine:— 1st, through the 
medium of sensation, on the nervous system; 2nd, 
through the agency of their temperature, on the vascu- 
lar system; and 3d, by means of their chemical con- 
tents, on the secretory and excretory organs. In most 



13 

chronic complaints— and especially in rheumatism, 
gout, cutaneous defedations, neuralgia, dyspepsy, 
glandulctr swellings, and visceral obstructions — there 
is pain, uneasiness, or discomfort of some kind, which 
indeed constitutes the chief grievance of the indivi- 
dual. It is no unimpoitani matter to soothe those 
sufferings during the process employed for the cure. 
The warm bath effects this purpose in an eminent 
degree, through its agency on the sentient extremities 
of the nerves distributed over the surface of the body. 
There is an extensive chain of sympathies establish- 
ed between the skin and the internal viscera; and 
through the medium of this channel, agreeable sen- 
sations excited on the exterior, are very often commu- 
nicated to the central organs and structjires themselves. 
Even in this way, torpid secretions are frequently 
roused into activity and improved in quality, while 
the secretory apparatus itself is relieved from a host 
of pairtful feelings.'' 



Cases showing the benefits arising from tJie use of these 
loaters in various chronic affections. 

LIVER DISEASE, 

WITH DYSPEPSIA, DIARRHCEA, &c. 

Nottoway County, Dec. 18, 1839. 
Dear Sir,— In July, 1838, I was violently attacked 
with what is commonly called the Bilious Colic 
(whether from the passing of calculi, or a deranged 
state of the secretions of the liver, I am unable to 
say,) followed by an ardent fever terminating on the 
nmth day in a well marked case of Jaundice, with 
dyspeptic symptoms and great debilitv. As soon as 
I was able to travel I set off for the White Sulphur 
Spangs m a carriage, and was again attacked on the 



u 

day of my arrival with violent pains and spasms in 
the region of the stomach and liver, followed by fever 
and an increase of all the above mentioned symptoms. 
As soon as it was thought prudent, I commenced the 
use of the White Sulphur Water in combmation with 
the blue mass or calomel, and the most approved 
vegetable exiracts. The water, so far from relievmg, 
evidently aggravated my disease, proving highly ex- 
citing, and not in the slightest degree affeciing the 
biliary secretions. I used the White Sulphur Water 
eighteen days, and not receiving any benefit, I deter- 
mined to try the Hot Springs. On my arrival there 
I was greatly debilitated and in much pam, com- 
menced the use of the bath that evening, and so great 
was the sensibility of the liver and whole abdonii- 
nal region, that I could not for a moment suffer the 
spout baih to fall on it. I used the spout bath with 
evident benefit for five days, and on the sixth went 
into the boiler or sweat bath. The first sweat seemed 
to unlock the liver as by magic, causing free dis- 
charges of bile, and from that day all the functions 
of that organ appeared to be perfectly healthy and 
regular. I daily gained flesh and strength, and re- 
turned in the latter part of September, nearly restored 
to health. In December following I was again at- 
tacked with all my old symptoms, if possible m a 
more violent degree, (produced by exposure to a snow 
storm,) which nearly proved fatal. I was confined 
to my bed all the winter, and did not leave my house 
till late in March. My recovery was slow and im- 
perfect, and in August, 1839, I determined to try the 
Hot Springs again, On my arrival my health was 
very bad-symptoms nearly as in 1838, my bowels 
nearly insensible to the most drastic cathartics. I 
was not disappointed in my hopes from the use of the 
baths, but realized my most sanguine expectations. 
After using the spout and sweat bath alternately for 
eighteen or twenty days, finding my health greatly 
improved, I went on to the White Sulphur and found 



15 



the water to agree admirably well with me, experi- 
encing none of the injurious effects this season which 
it evidently produced in 1838. Since my return home 
I have continued to enjoy good health, and have no 
hesitation in saying, I owe it all, under a kind Provi- 
dence, to the Hot Springs. I have purposely delayed 
sending this communication at an earlier day, that 
there should be no mistake from any temporary be- 
nefit derived from the use of the baths. My expe- 
rience warrants me in saying that the use of the Hot 
Spring bath is the very best preparation of the system 
for the safe and beneficial use of the Sulphur Waters 
of Virsfinia. Yours, respectfully, 

A. A. CAMPBELL, M. D. 
Dr. Thomas Goode. 



Hot Springs, Va., July Tlth, 1838. 
Dr. Thomas Goode : 

Dear Sir,— At your request, and for the benefit of 
the afflicted, I give you, as near as I can, a statement 
of my case, which has been complicated and diffi- 
cult to describe. I am a resident of Detroit, State of 
Michigan. In July, 1829. I was attacked with a 
bilious fever, and severe inflammation of the stomach, 
and was reduced very low by bleeding and medicine. 
I remained in a feeble state about six months, when 
an ulcer came out on the side of my ancle nearly the 
size of a dollar. This has continued on one or the 
other, and sometimes on both my ancles, ever since, 
except about two months, in March and April last. 
My legs have been so much swelled that I have been 
compelled to bandage them to the knee most of the 
time. 

i^bout three years ago a rheumatic disease set in, 
the cords of my legs swelled to the knee^, and at 
limes to the body (mostly on the inside) with hard 



16 



lumps on the cords, frequently as large as large hic» 
kory nuts, and extremely painful. 

In this state 1 remained hobbling about, confined to 
my room al^out one-fourth of the time, and had the 
advice and attendance of our most celebrated physi- 
cians, without much benefit, until about the 1st of 
January last, when it extended to my hips and back, 
and confined me to my bed — my bowels at ihe same 
time became swollen so that a dropsy was feared, with 
a soreness about the region of the stomach and liver. 

I also had the piles very badly, and ulcers conti- 
nued to form and break in the rectum, and pass oft^ 
with my stools with a great deal of pain. 

In this condition I remained until about the 1st of 
May, when I was advised to try the Virginia Springs. 
I arrived at the White Sulphur Springs on the Sth of 
June on crutcheSj v/ith one foot and leg so much 
swollen that I feared it would burst. At tlie end of 
two weeks v/as again able to ride, when I came to 
the Hot Springs and put myself under your charge. 
For the first ten days after 1 commenced bathing I 
got no relief, my pain rather increased. At this time 
there appeared to be a copious discharge of bile from, 
the liver, and from that time my health has improved 
rapidly in every way. The rheumatic disease and 
piles are very nearly cured. The ulcers on ray an- 
'cles assume a healthy appearance, and look as if 
they w^oiild soon heal. The swelling about the bow- 
els has subsided, and the pain in my stomach and 
iiver has nearly left me, I would also state, tliat 
lweQty~-one years ago I divided the tendons of the left 
foot by a cut with an axe, and v/hen it healed, the 
cords seemed fast to the bone, and I have had little 
^r no use of those toes since. The effect of these hot 
baths has been to remove that stiffness and loosen the 
tendons, so that I can now move the toes quite well.* 

* This is one of the most remarkable instances of the 
!l*^st©rationi of lost power on record. 



17 



I have taken, in the five weeks that I have been 
here, sixteen sweat and twenty spout baths, and I 
now feel better than at any time in the last five or 
six vears. ELLIOT GRAY. 



Hot Springs, August 18th, 1838. 

In September, 1835, I was taken with a Bilious 
Intermitting Fever, which continued at intervals in 
spite of remedies until May, 1836, when my liver and 
spleen both became much enlarged, my appearance 
was bloated and dropsical, and my whole system de- 
ranged. I had a craving for food of the grossest 
kind which could not be satisfied, and my bowels 
were so costive as to require the strongest purgatives 
to move them. 1 applied to our most skilful physi- 
cians for advice. I was leeched, cupped, blistered, 
and salivatrd: took much medicine internally, but 
without benefit. I also tried the Saratoga Springs, 
but without eflect. I continued the use of medicines 
until the 26ih of June, 1838. I then visited the White 
Sulphur Springs, and used the waters with the blue 
pill for two weeks, but without the least benefit — they 
acted freely on my kidneys and produced a white 
mucous discharge from my bowels, but no bile. I 
then came to the Hot Springs, and alter bathiiig for 
three days, ray liver began to discharge itself into 
my bowels, followed by frequent copious evacuations, 
by puking and purging, of ill looking, bilious matter, 
which sickened me very much, v;hen I called in Dr. 
Goode, by whose advice I have been since governed. 
The bath and medicine have reduced my liver almost 
entirely — the enlargement is barely perceptible. My 
spleen is diminished about one-third, and is much 
sofiened. The discharges from my bowels are nearly 
natural. My general health is fast improving, and I 
know that I ought not to leave the place, but hope 
with common prudence on my part to become again 
1* 



18 

a healthy man. The above statement is most freely 
.ade fo Jthe benefit of tl--^ who - s.^ffenn^^ m^he 
same way. iviuriv;Tzi.j.> 

Hot Springs, Aug. 13, 1842. 

About four years ago my liver became diseased 
dyspeptic symptoms came on with a diarrhea which 
continued for eight months, and in spite of the best 
medical aid, prostrated my whole _ system_ and de- 
stroyed my health completely, terminating in a fixed 
enlargement of my liver and spleen-my colon also 
was Ireatly distended and felt hard My physicians 
thought it indurated and incurably diseased. My 
sufferings were constant, and oftentimes severe. 

Deriving no benefit from medicine, I wa« \nduce(t 
to visit the Virginia Springs. I used the White bul- 
phur Water twenty -five days with some benefit. It 
caused moderate discharges of bile from my bowels, 
but did not reduce the size of the liver, spleen nor 
intestine. I then came to the Hot Sprmgs, and by 
your direction commenced the use oi the spout bath, 
temp. 100. About five hours after taking the first 
bath, I felt a contraction in the region of my hver, 

* More than a hundred cases have come to my knowledge 
(and I have heard of many others,) in which, after the 
Wh-te Sulphur, aided by medicines, had been tried tor j 
from two to four weeks, with either but little or no sensible i 
effect upon the liver— copious discharges of vitiated bi e, t 
(which had been long pent up in the liver) were caused by ^ 
from one to four of these baths alo7ie, and in most instances f 
to the entire relief of the sufferer. Many cases have also | 
occurred in which no Sulphur water was used— but the 
action of the bath was equally prompt and decided.^ In 
some instances the disgorgement of the liver is but partial— 
all the vitiated bile does not pass off spontaneously— then 
the aid of suitable medicine is requisite— which, if the pa- 
tient neglects, his relief may be but partial. 



19 



with pain like the twisting of a cork-screw in the 
direction of my intestines, v.'hich soon extended to the 
lower bowels, followed by several copious evacua- 
tions, not less than two quarts,* resembling tar in 
color and consistence, and producing great heat and 
pain as it passed ofif. In a short time I felt much 
relieved. The next day I took the same bath, which 
was followed by some pain and several moderate, 
dark discharges. For the next three days no sensible 
effect was produced by the bath. You then directed 
me to the spout, temp. 102, which was followed by 
pain and copious discharges, of a color not so dark 
as the former. From this' time, tlie sixth day, I have 
experienced daily amendment. My liver, spleen and 
colon, so far as I can ascertain, are all reduced to 
their natural size. I suffer no uneasiness whatever, 
but feel perfectly restored in all respects. I have 
used the baths for three weeks only. 

My residence is at PointCoupee, State of Louisiana. 

M. TOUNOIR. 

To Dr. GooDE, Hot Springs, 



Beach Hill Wi October, 1835. 

Dear Sir, — I have received your letter of the 10th 
September, asking the particulars of my disease, to- 
gether with the benefit I derived from the use of the 
waters of the Virginia Springs two years ago. I had 
been a confirmed dyspeptic for near five years, with 
symptoms of the most distressing character. My 
bowels in a state of obstinate cosiiveiiess — medicine 
making but little impression on them. 1 applied for 
aid to many of the most celebrated physicians but got 
no relief I then determined as a last resort to try 

* To some this quantity may appear enormous — but in a 
case of gorged liver, the gall-bladder itself was found to 
contain six quarts of bile. 



20 



the Virginia Springs. I attended the Sweet Springs, 
the White and Salt Sulphur, and the Hot Springs. 
From the three former I derived no benefit whatever. 
But the benefit which I did receive was from the 
Spout Bath at the Hot Springs, which 1 believe saved 
my life. On the third night I was waked up by a 
severe griping, which was followed during the remain- 
der of the night by repeated and copious discharges 
of vitiated and acrid bile. The next morning I was 
greatly better, and afterwards improved rapidly. I 
remained only eight days and gained eleven pounds 
in weight. I went by your direction and took no 
medicine, I am, very respectfully, yours, 

CHARLES HAMLIN. 
To Dr. GooDE, Hot Springs. 



For the last fifteen or sixteen years, I have been 
much afflicted with an affection of the liver; passing 
through many stages of that disease, and consequent 
difficulties attending it. When arriving at this place, 
the organ was apparently in a torpid state, perform- 
ing its office but imperfectly. After using the Hot 
Spout Bath for three orfour days, my general strength 
increased, and from that time to the present (ten days 
since,) I have discovered a gradual improvement in the 
secretions of the liver, to almost a healthy action^ with 
other general improvement of my health. 

"W. PALMER, 
o( Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

Virginia Hot Springs, Aug. lOth, 1837. 



Charlottesville, Nov. lOth, 1842. 

My dear Sir,— At the request of Mrs. Kelley, I fur- 
nish you with a brief statement of her case. 
Mrs. Kelley, about eighteen months anterior to the 



21 



summer of 1815, was attacked with unequivocal and 
decided Hepatitis: 1st, in its usual form, with all its 
peculiar and characteristic symptoms, resisting the 
most active and vigorous remedial agents that could 
be adopted. The disease gradually proijressing into 
the chronic form, with enlarged Liver, Jaundice, Di- 
arrhcBa, &c. In this stage the appropriate remedies 
were perseveringly used, still without relief, until the 
season approached for a trial of the Mineral Waters. 
At this period such was her debility, emaciation and 
prostration, that her friends despaired of her reaching 
the Springs. The effort, however, was made, and 
she arrived at the White Sulphur where she remained 
six weeks, using the water without improvement in 
her complexion, or any favorable impression on the 
ilisease— she is now transferred to the Hot Springs 
where she remains one month, assiduously employing 
the Eoiler and Spout Baths, and under their use she 
became completely relieved, the jaundiced state of 
the skin disappearing, also the enlarged condition of 
the liver with an almost entire exemption of any 
serious recurrence of the disease from that period to 
the present time. Very respectfully, 

CHS. CARTER, M.D. 
To Dr. GooDE, Hot Springs. 



Dr. Goode: Dear Sir,— A long indisposition from 
the effects of a deranged state of my liver led me to 
try the Hot Spout Bath at your Springs. I had pre- 
viously remained four or five weeks at the White 
Sulphur, from which I had derived much advantage, 
but not so much as to make me believe that 1 could 
not be further benefited by the use of the Hot Baths. 

Its effect upon me was immediate, and as powerful 
as I had been led to suppose, producing a free action 
of the liver. I continued to use them eight or nine 
days with equally happy effects. Entertaining, as I 



22 



do, the highest opinion of the efficacy of the Hot 
Springs in all cases of a diseased liver, I am led to 
give yuu this simple statement for the benefit of others 
who may stand as much in need of them as myself. 
Very respectfully, your oh't servant, 

JOHN L. MANNING, of S. Carolina. 



Hot Springs, Sept. 20th, J 838. 
Dr. Thomas Goods : 

Sir, — For nearly three years 1 have been subject 
to very frequent attacks of Jaundice, but more par- 
ticularly during the year 1838, when my liver be- 
came torpid and refused to perform its functions — the 
biliary duct seemed to be closed — my bowels became 
much disordered, and I had a confirmed chronic diar- 
rhoea. I became very weak from the effcv^s of me- 
dicine, and was unfit ior business or society. By 
the advice of my physicians I left Philadelphia on 
the 27th of June for the Virginia Springs, and reached 
the Hot Springs early in July, much exhausted. I 
used the Spout Bath for three days, and on the fourth 
I took the Sweat Bath, which reduced the number of 
discharges from my bowels to one a day, and I felt 
belter. I continued the Sweat Bath for near three 
weeks, and my health appeared to improve from 
every bath. My appetite and strength increased ra- 
pidly, and my complexion which was very sallow, 
became clear and healthy, I then went to The White 
Sulphur, for two weeks, taking from eight to ten 
glasses of water daily, with evident benefit. I return- 
ed then to the Hot Springs, and took the Sweat Bath 
nearly every day for two weeks, with a half a wine 
glass of a mixture of the extract of Taraxicum, when 
I found my health restored. I had gained twenty- 
four pounds in flesh. Yours, respectfully, 

DR. KIRKPATRICK, of Philadelphia. 



23 



Hot Spings, August, 1837. 

Dear Sir, — la compliance wiih your request I hand 
you the followiag statement of my case: 

I have been laboring under a disease of my Liver 
for more than four years, attended with dyspeptic 
symptoms of the most distressing kind. I have had 
almost constant pain in my head, back, right side, 
and shoulder blade, at the pit of my stomach and in 
my bowels, which have been so constipated as to 
compel me to take some opening medicine nearly 
every day. I was confined the most of last winter to 
my room, and was reduced almost to a skeleton. I 
derived no benefit whatever from medicine. I finally 
determined to try the Sulphur Waters of Virginia — 
after using the Sulphur Waters more than six weeks, 
I found myself raiher worse, and started for home, 
but was induced by the advice of Dr. Smith, of S, 
Carolina, to make trial of these waters. I had no 
faith in them, and to my great surprise, the very first 
bath helped me. On the third day my bowels were 
moved by the effects of the water alone, and they 
have been moved sufficiently every day since without 
the aid of medicine, with discharges of bile which 
has not been the case for the last four years. I have 
been here thirteen days, have taken twenty-five spout 
baths, and have mended every day; my di^gestion is 
good, and I am entirely free from pain, and hope my 
disease is removed. I would siay longer, but my 
business calls me away. Should my disease return, 
I shall know where to seek relief. 

C. CARLTON, 
231, Pearl Street, New York. 



During the summer of 1827, I was attacked with 
violent pains in the region of the siomach and liver, 
proceeding, as was afterwards ascertained, from cal- 
culi in the biliary duct. At a succeeding period I 



24 

discharged several of these calculi, which, together 
with other facts, clearly indicated the seat and nature 
of my disease. It was said by my physicians that 
mine was a case in which there was great doubt of a 
final recovery, owing to the frequency and violence 
of the attack. Each attack was attended with the 
usual symptoms, and jaundice invariably supervened. 
I visited the White Sulphur Springs in August, 1828, 
and w^as much improved, so much so as to suppose at 
the lime that I was entirely relieved. On my leturn 
home, however, the attacks returned with the same 
violence, but not so frequently. I re-visited the While 
Sulphur in 1829, with the same good efiect as to my 
general health as in 1828. The disease still conti- 
nuing, I visited the While Sulphur again in 1830, 
with the same results as to my general health, and 
after remaining there about three weeks, I went to 
the Hot Springs and used for eight or ten days the 
Spout Bath, and have never had a similar attack 
since. I believe myself entirely free from the disease 
under which I ihen labored, by close attention to my 
general health, the use of the water at the White Sul- 
phur, and the Spout Bath at the Hot Springs. 
^ ' ^ J. L. WILKINS, Jr., 

of Brunswick count}'. 



In the summer of 1836 1 visited the Virginia Springs 
with Liver disease, as stated by many physicians. 1 
used the Sulphur Waters for some time, bui without 
any decided efiect. I then came to the Hot Springs, 
and after using the Spout Bath a few days the pain 
in the right side increased from a dull to an acute, 
which induced me to apply to Dr. Goode for advice. 
He gave me ten grains of calomel which brought 
about a most happy change in ray feelings and health, 
producing copious discharges of dark bilious matter, 
when forty grains often before taken produced but a 



25 



limited effect. From the Hot Springs I returned to 
the White Sulphur, and the waler then acted freely 
on my bowels. 

JAMES L. COLEMAN, of Geo. 
Hot Sprivgs, Avgust 14, 1837. 



April, 1833. 
I was seized with Cholera in a southern climate, 
irom which I had scarcely recovered when Intermit- 
tent fever attacked me. This continued at intervals 
until September, when congestive lever supervened, 
and continued with much violence for the space of 
nine days, and only subsided to give place to the in- 
termittent again. From this time a morbid appetite 
began to prey upon me. The ague alternated with 
a severe dysentery, until March, 1834, cedematous 
swellings of the lower extremities made their appear- 
ance, but gave way to the use of alteratives and mu- 
tiated thicture of iron. I became much emaciated 
and debilitated; my spleen became much enlarged; 
an excessively moibid condition of the stomach con- 
tinued an ungovernable craving for food of the gross- 
est description, and oiher indigestible substances. In 
the mean time, an uncontrollable diarrhea, which 
has given me more uneasiness than every other symp- 
tom, came on. During nearly three years, every arti- 
cle of diet swallowed, would ferment, produce ihe 
most distressing cardialgia, and run off from the 
bowels by profuse watery evacuations. The spleen 
in the left side, and swelling of the stomach and in- 
testines, was great anil painful. The irritability of 
the alimentary canal was so great, that the smallest 
portions of calomel or blue pill, combined m ith opiates, 
would produce an hypercatharsis, sometimes almost 
fatal ; neither food nor medicine agreed with me. In 
this state of almost despair, I visited the White Sul- 

9 



26 



phur Springs, and finding that the water disagreed 
with me, inasmuch as it proved too drastic, I deter- 
mined to visit the Hot Springs. In a few hours aiter 
using the bath, I had a bilious discharge, which had 
not occurred for eight months. In tour days time, 
my diarrhosa ceased, and my evacuations became 
almost healthy in complexion. I had been very much 
annoyed with hemorrhoids for fifteen months, which 
was relieved by the Spout Bath in three days. The 
improvement in my complexion was so great, that 
the visiters would remark, "Why, Doctor, you will 
soon be well;" my spleen was reduced about one-halt, 
the abdominal muscles became relaxed and soft, my 
strength and activity were much improved, and eveiy 
symptom seemed to give ;^^^;^^^^^^^^J]^.;Ji^.^D';^= 

Hot Sjjrings, August 19, 1837. 
To Dr. Goode: 

For more than three years past, I have been afflict- 
ed with a diseased liver. I have used the Sulphur 
Water for some time, but without any permanent et- 
fect, I have been here only ten days, and when I 
arrived this was my condition: pain in my righi side 
and left shoulder incessantly, my stomach greatly 
distended, my spleen very much enlarged, and diges- 
tive powers almost destroyed. I have used the Spout 
Bath freely during my short stay, and this is the 
effect: the pain in ray side and shoulder has nearly 
subsided my stomach is reduced to its natural size, 
my spleen is considerably reduced, and my digestion 
much improved. Th.^ benefit I have received is great 
and I trust substantial. Regretting that busines.^ 
calls me away thus early, and gritefal for your kind 
attentions. I an, your obedient servant. 
aiienuon.,ia ,y g ^^ DARGON, of Alabama. 



27 

Ho! Springs, Septembn; 1838. 
Dr. Goode: 

Dear Sir,— The following communication is made 
at your request, to be disposed of as you may ihink 
proper: ^ 

In February, 1838, in Green county, Alabama, I 
was taken with a violent cold, which settled on my 
stomach and bowels, and hnally lerminated in a most 
distressing and painful chronic diarrhoea. My sto- 
mach digested scarcely any thing; my food frequent- 
Jy passed off in a few hours, unaltered. Medicine 
afforded me no relief In. May I visited the Sulphur 
feprings in Blunt countv, Alabama, but the water 
aggravated my disease. I then, with much difficulty, 
went to Huntsville, and put myself under the direc- 
uon of Mr. Wharton. J was so much improved un- 
der his care by the month of October, that I was able 
o ride home in a suikey. My situation was fluctua- 
tmg, alternately better and worse. In June I set out 
lor the Virginia Springs. I used the water of the 
Ked and White Sulphur Springs for several weeks 
but they bota disagreed with me. They irritated mv 
stomach and bowels, and I got worse. I then cami 
to the Hot Springs, and by yonr advice commenced 
the use of the Spout Bath; on the third day 1 found 
myse f evidently improved; the discharges from mv 
bowels which were light colored and watery when I 
arrived, had become nearly natural in consistence 
and appearance, and I really believed I should have 
entirely recovered in ten days, if I had not eaten 
some gi-een peaches on the seventh day, which threw 
me back. On the tenth day, business compelled me 
to set out for home, and I was so much improved 
mat i was able to perform the trip of more than seven 
iiundred miles in nineteen days in a sulkey After 
getting home, I exposed myself verv much in the 
winter, took cold— my disease returned -and I soon 
became as bad as ever. I lingered through the win- 



28 



ter and spring, and in June set out for the Hot Springs. 
I stopped at the White Sulphur and drank of the 
water, but il disagreed wiih noe as before. I then 
came on to the Hot Springs, having from ten to 
twelve discharges from my bowels in the twenty-four 
hours. I commenced with the Spout Baih, as before. 
In three days I found myself better. In two weeks 
my diarrhosa was entirely relieved, and I aie every 
thing with impunity. I remained at the Hot Springs 
about six weeks, and gained 30 lbs. io flesh; I then 
visited Lynchburg and Richmond, where I staid about 
two months, and on leaving for home, weighed asain, 
and found that I had gained 56 lbs. from the time I 
arrived at the Hot Springs ; and from that time to the 
present have enjoyed good health, and can safely say 
that I owe it all to the Hot Springs. I am, very re- 
spectfully, J. M. YANCEY. 



In 1826, 1 had a protracted attack of Bilious Fever, 
which left me in a bad condition. My stomach and 
bowels being much disordered, accompanied with 
great flatulency, gave me from four to six passages 
every twenty-foiJr hours, and sometimes oftener; my 
stools mixed with blood, more or less, and sometimes 
with matter very offensive. At length a tamor formed 
in the lower intestine, about the size of a small wal- 
nut, attended with great heat and itching, which nlti- 
raately broke, and I occasionally discharged consi- 
derable quantities of blood and matter by stool, I 
I lien thought, and still think, that the wliole rectum 
was much diseased, and that I should be compelled to 
submit to an operation, or fall a victim to the disease. 
In addition to my other sufferings, iri the fall of 1831.. 
I had a severe rheumatic attack, which pervaded my 
whole muscular system, but was most distressing 
about my breast, chest, bowels and hips. In this 
situation, about the Isi of July following, I went to 



29 



ihe Hot Springs, barely able to sit up, and used the 
waters freely, drinking and bathing, until the 30th of 
August, when I left them, much relieved in every 
way. The ensuing summer I again returned to the 
Hot Springs, and used the waters by drinking and 
bathing, until the last of August, when 1 returned 
home entirely relieved of bowel disease, and nearly 
so of my rheumatism. I have again tliis summer 
visiied these Springs, where I have been for three 
weeks using the waters as before, and believe myself 
entirely relieved of all my complaints, except a little 
stiffness in my hips and back. The above statement 
is believed to be strictly correct; and if you think it 
will be oJ any service to you, or to sufferers in a 
similar situation, you may make any u>e of it that 
you may think proper. 

Very respectfully yours, 

HENRY CALLOWAY. 
To Dr. GooDE. Aug. 30/A, 1834. 



Hot Springs llth August, 1842. 
Dr. GooDE : 

Dear Sir, — I take great pleasure in furnishing you 
with a statement of a violent attack of dysentery 
under which I suffered in the months of July and 
August of the last year, and of the rapid improve- 
ment which I received from the use of your baths. 

My attack was sudden and violent, with frequent 
and painful discharges of blood and mucus, attended 
with considerable inflammation. This condition con- 
tinued upon me without any material diminution for 
twenty- one days, notwithstanding I had been copious- 
ly bled in the earlier stage of my disease and kept 
under a constant mercurial influence. 

I reached the Hot Springs about the middle of 
August, after a painful journey from the University 
of Virginia, a perfect skeleton, and so helpless as to 



30 



be lifted in and out of my carriage, and to be carried 
to aad from the Baths. In a few days an evident 
improvement was made in my condition, and so rapid 
and steady was my recovery, that in thie space of a 
single fortnight, I was able to walk a mile for exer- 
cise, and to return home by the mail coach, over the 
route which I had with difficulty performed, with the 
facilities of a carriage and bed. My health is at this 
time completely re-established. 

Very respectfully, your ob't servant, 

W. H. WOODLEY, 
Proctor University of Va. 



Hot Springs, September, 1842. 

Dear Sir, — In the fall of 1841, I was confined with 
a severe Bilious Fever, and Irom the effects of which 
my constitution has not since recovered. Early in 
1842 I went to the White Sulphur Springs, but finding 
no appreciable effect produced upon my liver by the 
use of the water, I went to the Red Sulphur for two 
weeks with some advantage, I then returned to the 
White, and used the water a second time, but with 
no b.nter success. 

I arrived at the Hot Springs on the 5th September, 
with symptoms of a gorged liver, a sallow complex- 
ion, and pain in my side and chest. I used the bath 
until the 14th with great advantage. After taking 
the third bath my liver began to disgorge itself and 
throw off great quantities of vitiated bile -my skin 
cleared up, and the pain in my chest and side, which 
had before been frequent and severe, was greatly re- 
lieved. The benefit derived is greatly beyond what 
I anticipated, and have no doubt of the efficacy of 
the Hot Springs in many cases of diseased liver, 
wherein the Sulphur Waters have totally failed, 
I am, respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

T. F. CAMPBELL, of Nottoway Co. 



31 



Hot Springs, 22d Angust, 1S42. 

Dear Sir,— At your request,"l give you the follow- 
ing; statement of my case, and of the effect of these 
baths upon me: For the last eighteen months I have 
been dyspeptic, with costive bowels and a constant 
uneasiness between my shoulders and at the pit of 
my stomach, and a dry skin. Aliout the 1st of the 
iKOKth I went to the White Sulphur Springs and used 
the water freely with the blue mass for eleven days, 
but without ihe least effect on my liver. 1 have been 
here only one week, using the Spout Bath, tempera- 
tuie 100. The night after taking mj first bath, 1 had 
three copious bilious discharges from my bowels. 

My skin is now moist, my bowels open, and 1 am 
greatly relieved in every respect. 

1 am, very respectfully, 

J. E. MICHIE, of Albemarle. 
To Dr. GooDE. 



Hot Springs, Sept. IQtk, 1837. 

Sir,-"More than three years since I was taken with 
a severe dysentery, which was succeeded by what I 
should term a mucous diarrhcea. Since that time 1 
have suffered an annual return of the dysentery each 
summer until the present — this year I have escaped 
this periodical attack by passing my time in the 
mountains. 

I remained a week at the White Sulphur without 
the slightest benefit, when I directed my course to the 
Red Sulphur, where I remained five weeks. My ge- 
neral health was greatly improved at this place, and 
at first I was cheered with hopes of a recovery, but 
I left the Red Sulphur with the diarrhcEa in full force 
on me, and without any diminution of the mucous 
discharge, although the bilious secretions were *-light- 
ly improved. In that state, a state of unabated diar- 
rhoea, I reached the Hot Springs seven days ago, and 



32 



was persuaded to use the Spout Bath. I applied thc- 
spout principally to ihe region of my liver, and to 
my back — wonderful to relate, I felt inUantaneous and 
perfect relief— The mucous discharsje entirely ceased, 
which had not occurred previously in the whole 
course of my disease. Since ihe lirst day I have felt 
no pain or uneasiness in the bowels, whereas before 
I was tortured night and day. So well do I feel, that 
1 shall start for home lo-morrow in fine spirits, and 
only regret that I had not sooner tried your Hot 
Springs. This is a short and rapid sketch of my 
case, but I do assure you it is a faithful one. I shall 
make no commentary, but will si nply say, that 1 con- 
sider my cure entirely and solely owinu to ihe Hot 
Spout. ROBERT J. BRENT, 

of Washington, D. C. 
To Dr. GooDE. 



In the summer of 1825 I became dyspeptic, and 
continued so till the fall of 1835, when 1 became 
worse than usual. From that time till 1st August, 
1836. I contined to decline — the liver being quite tor- 
pid, and the secretions morbid and scanty. On the 
1st of August I came to the White Sulphur Springs, 
(having been in the mountains about a month, prin- 
cipally at the Red and Salt Sulphur, but not using 
the water,) I there commenced taking blue mass, a 
grain and a half every night in conjunction with the 
water, and continued them for twenty days, during 
which time I improved in strentith and flesh and 
feelings. I then came to the Hot Springs, and on 
the third day after using the spout for about ten min- 
utes each day, the evacuations from the bowels were 
quite healthy, and continued so for months, the bow- 
els acted regularly once every day with the use oi 
two or three of Beckwith's pills, (a very mild ape- 
rient.) \ staid at the Hot Springs but six days, and 



33 



ihen travelled asfiirnorihas Philadelphia, and thence 
by the way of South Carolina to Mobile, where I 
spent the winter. I came again to the White Sulphur 
Springs on the l3th of July, 1837, with a torpid liver, 
evidenced by morbid and deficient secretions ot bile, 
&c. — continued there eighteen d;iys, using the Avater, 
and came away manitestly injured. Wiihin two 
days after using the Spout Bath again I felt better, 
and within one week had gained three pounds in 
llesh, with much improved feelings. Within the last 
(second) week I have not improved in flesh, but there 
has been a gradual improvement in the biliary secre- 
tion, which is now nearly healthy — bowels acting 
regularly with the use of two ol Beckwith's pills, 
and have tolerable health and digestion. 

W. E. JOHNSON, 
of Camden, S. C. 
Mr. Johnson returned to the Hot Springs after an 
interval of twelve or fifteen days, and made the fol- 
lowing addition to the above; 

The day I left the Hot Springs I felt extremely 
unwell till evening, when I had a free bilious dis- 
charge which continued for several days, and I think 
it very probable had I returned and coniinuen the 
baths, they would have brought on a regular healthy 
action of the liver. 



Hot Springs, Avgnst, 1837. 
To Dr. Goode: 

Dear Sir,— I give you the following statement of 
my case: About ten years ago I became dyspeptic, 
and was unwell in the usual way, when at length I 
became much worse; almost e^ery thing taken in 
the stomach produced pain, and frequently violent 
spasms, which threatened death. I experienced no 
relief except when under thj influence of calomel 5 



34 



tiring of which, after suffering for about two years, I 
determined to try the Sulphur Water. I commenced 
at the White Sulphur, but the water disagreed with 
me, and 1 then went to the Salt Sulphur, understand- 
ing that the water there was more purgative; for you 
must know that my bowels were invariably consti- 
pated. After using the water for two davs, I had a 
violent attack of spasm, which v/as relieved by a hot 
bath. I then came immediately to the Hot Springs; 
my stomach was so much debilitated, that I was 
compelled to live exclusively on milk and mush, and 
the like bland food. The first meal I took at the Hot 
Springs was milk and mush, which brought on pain, 
threatening spasm. I went immediately into the 
Spout Bath, and from that day to this, I have been 
entirely exempt from the disease. I bathed every 
day, sometimes twice, and in a few days I was ena- 
bled to eat of every thing at the table, including 
des-serts of all kinds. 

WILLIAMS CARTER, of Hanover. 



Hot Springs, August '21 th, 1841. 

W.^en I left home, on the 2d instant, I had been 
afflicted for fifteen months with diseased liver and 
disordered bowels. I reached here on the 8ih inst,; 
my bowels disordered; mouth and longue sore and 
blistered; my evacuations of a watery consistenc)', 
and frequently of the color of clay or putty, and I 
liad no appetite. From the taste, I could scarcely 
distinguish one kind of food from another. On my 
arrival, I commenced to use the baths, and continued 
their use daily, to the present time. My bowels 
soon became quiescent, evacuations regular and of a 
healthy color; my mouth and tongue entirely well, 
and they have remained so. Of the beneficial effects 
of the waters to me, I have no doubt ; and I am in 



35 



hopes a cure has been effecte.i, which may be made 
permaneni by proper care and attention to diet and 
exercise. GEO. CARR, ci Charlottesville. 

To Dr. GooDE. 



In March, 1832, I was attacked with a Bilious 
Pleurisy which yielded to medical treatment, but my 
stomach and bowels were left in a bad state. In a 
short time ray digestion was greatly impaired, and I 
had a confirmed conslant diarrhoea, the discharges of 
a clay color. My food frequently passed off undi- 
gested, producing violent pain in the bowels, and 
much feverish excitement. 

I determined to visit the Springs for the benefit of 
my health. I left home in August, and tried first the 
Sweet Springs, but they disagreed with me. I then 
went to the White Sulphur and then to the Salt Sul- 
phur, but they also disagreed, producing violent irri- 
tation and pain in my bowels, which put me to bed. 
So soon as I was able to travel, I went to the Hot 
Springs, and after bathing about eight days I was 
entirely relieved— my appetite became good, my food 
digested well, and I fattened and strengthened rapidly, 
and ftoin that time to the present I have never had a 
diarrhoea. WILLIAM TODD, 

of King & Q.ueen. 

Hot Springs 5th Sept., 1838. 



Steubenville, Ohio, July 2d, 1844. 

Dear Sir,— I avail myself of this opportunity to 
acquaint you with the benefit I derived from a visit 
to your Springs. I had previous to the year 1839 been 
the subject of a severe dyspeptic complaint for more 
than twelve years, which in the spring of that year 



86 



was fullowed by a most distressing diarrhcpa, which 
reduced me to the verge of the grave. 1 spent a part 
of the summer of 1839 at the Hot Springs, and b)-- 
bathing in and drinking the water, was completely 
and entirely restored to health, and have not had the 
slightest Gymptom of a return of my complaint since, 
a period of five years. Hoping my friend may bring 
back an equally favorable report. 

lam, very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

DAVID MOODY. 
To Dr. GooDE : 



Scotch Town, 9lh Feb'ij, 184G. 

Dr. Goode: 

Dear Sir,— In August, 1844, I went to the White 
Sulphur Spring, in very feeble health— laboring under 
a disease of my Liver, attended with a constant pain 
and soreness in my right side. I used the water freely 
for three weeks — but the pain and soreness still con- 
tinued. I then, by the advice of Dr. Johnson, went 
to the Hot Springs, and took two baths in the lower 
spouts — the iirsi bath produced a perspiration, which 
I had not had for twelve months, my skin having 
been constantly dry. On the third day I took the 
Hot Spout, and while the water was falling on the 
affected side, I felt as if something had given way 
within that side.* Af er leaving the bath, I went to 
my room, where I had a profuse sweat, and after cool- 
ing ofT, there was a copious, acr>d, and ill-looking 
bilious discharge from my bowels, such as I had 
never seen before. From that day to the present, I 

* The sen=;ation of something giving way, was doubtless 
caused by the discharge of the contents of the cavities of 
the liver into the intestines. In this case, the Sulphur 
Water was evidentlyyairZy and fully tested. 



37 



have had neither pain nor soreness in my side, and 
shall ever think the Hot Spout saved my life. 
Very respectfully, your friend, 

JOHN J. TAYLOR. 



Hot Springs Sept. 19/A, 1845. 

During the summer of 1840 I had a severe attack 
of Bilious Fever, which confined me to bed near eight 
weeks. From this time till I visited the Hot Springs 
in 1841— my health was very feeble, induced by a 
functional derangement of my liver and other viscera- 
I had constantly a dull, heavy feeling in the right side, 
and found hnt partial and lemporary relief from medi- 
cine. While under the Spout Bath the third or fourth 
time, I felt about my liver (without having previously 
taken any medicine or used any other mineral water,) 
a peculiar sensation, which continued during the suc- 
ceeding night and day — attended with considerable 
nausea — during this twenty-four hours, a very large 
quantity of most unhealthy bile was discharged, and 
the following day 1 felt entirely freed from every 
symptom of disease. From this time, and for more 
than two years, my health continued excellent — when 
it became impaired by a residence and exposure in 
the South. 

With an earnest wish for your success, I am 

Yours, very truly, R. N. FOX. 

Dr. GooDE. 



Hot Springs, l3//i Sept., 1845. 

Dear Sir,— In the summer of 1844 I was attacked 
with Hemorrhage from the Liver or Stomach, arrd 
reduced to a very feeble state, attended with dropsical 
aftusions, which were partially relieved by the use of 



38 



transported Sulphur Water. In July, 1844, 1 visited 
the Hot Springs, where I remained one week, wiih 
no very sensible effect, though I still continued to 
improve. I then left for the White Sulphur, where I 
found a most decided improvement, and on spending 
a fortnight at the Salt, 1 left the mountains in good 
health. Under these circumstances, I attributed my 
recovery to the Sulphur Water, In the summer of 
1845, I was again attacked with Inflammation of the 
Liver — bowels sometimes constipated, and at others 
too loose -v.'ith great soreness in the whole abdo- 
minal region, and a suppression of bile. 1 visited 
the Sulphur Springs this season, without slopping at 
the Hot Springs. I spent two weeks at the White, 
and six days at the Salt. I was relieved of some of 
the most distressing symptoms of my disease, but yet 
the liver remained torpid — there was little or no bile 
discharged, and the soreness of the liver and bowels 
still continued. On my arrival at this place, I took 
the Hot Spoilt Bath, and the next morning I had a 
copious bilious discharge, and was at once relieved 
entirely from pain and soreness of the liver and bow- 
els, and have had regular anil natural discharges 
from my bowels every day since. From these facts, 
I am under the impression, that in such torpid condi- 
tions of the liver, the full benefit ot^ Sulphur Water 
cannot be expected without the previous use of the 
Hot Springs. C. R. KINNEY, 

Dr. GooDE. of N. Carolina. 



Richmond, 24:tli Nov., 1845. 

Dear Sir, — In Jiily last I was conveyed to the Hot 
Springs on a bed, as feeble as an infant, emaciated 
and reduced to the verge of the grave, by a Hemor- 
rhage from the Liver, which I had labored under for 
seven years. After sufficient rest, by your advice I 
took a Hot Spout Balh, requiring" the aid of two 



39 



strong servants to carry me to it. The first bath pro- 
duced the most happy effects.* and after using it 
several times, I felt strong enough to walk fnmi the 
bath house to my cabin, bat you advised me to use 
no unnecessary exertion. After using the baih for 
three weeks with manifest improvement in strength, 
and also deriving great relief from drinking the hot 
water, which had the same effect upon my stomach, 
(which was very acid,) thai soda generally produces, 
I took by )'-our direction a botiie of the Saltt Sulphur 
Water every day for a Ibrtnight, when I was so much 
strengthened, that I rode in one day to the White 
Sulphur in a stage, without the use of my bed, and 
the next day to the Salt Sulphur, where I spent ten 
days. I then travelled back to Staunton, with as 
little fatigue as any of my companions. While in 
Staunton, I suffered much with diarrhoea and sore 
mouth, but had no return of hemorrhage until 1 reach- 
ed home, on the 1st of October, when the diarrhoea 
and sore mouth left me, and a slight hemorrhage 
occurred for several days, which was arrested by a 
blislcr, blue pill, and Salt Sulphur Water. Since that 
time I have been very comfortable; my digestion 
good, and my strength nearly restored. 

I feel no hesitation in saying, that but for the Hot 
Springs, I think 1 could not have lived throngh the 
summer — for I was weakening every day, and the 
profuse sweats (which the bath checked immediately) 
would soon have exhausted my frame. 

ilemember me kindly to Mrs. G. and your family, 
and accept for yourself the assurance of high esteem 
and unaltered gratitude to you and yours for your 
kind attentions to me while under your care. 

J. R. HARRISON, 

* Copious discharges of bile. 

t The Salt Sulphtir Water was given to counteract a 
tendency to constipation, which followed the ct^sation of 
the diarrhoea. 



40 

Hot Springs, Sept. 5, 1844. 

Dr. Tii. Go ode: 

Dear Sir,— Aboat two years before my first visit to 
your Springs in '41, I was pronounced to be in a cofi- 
Jirmeci Constvmptioii. One physician whom I consulted 
told me "there was no reliet for me; that I had no- 
thing to do but to prepare to die;" and among many 
others of the same opinion, was my diocesan, Bishop 
Meade, when I was ordained in May of the year just 
named ; for, as he recently told me while remarking 
on my improved health, "he really thought it scarcely 
worth while to introduce me into the ministry, so 
near did I appear to be to the end of my earthly 
career." And the symptoms of my case seemed am- 
ply to justify such a persuasion. I had frequent and 
copious night-sweats, diflicult respiration, now and 
then exquisite pains in the whole chest, a general sore- 
ness of the lungs and bronchia, with occasional swell- 
ing and inflammation of the larv nx and falling of the 
palate, and, added to ihese symptoms, a secretion of 
mucus so hard and viscid as often to provoke a cough 
so violent as to bring blood. This state of my symp- 
toms continued lor nearly two years, when there su- 
pervened, or rather, tkcn revealed itself, an obstinate 
derangement of my liver, accompanied by dyspepsy 
and a spinal aifection so aggravated as frequently to 
deprive me of all power of self-assistance. I imme- 
diately seized upon these symptoms, especially that 
of a deranged and morbid biliary action, as the real 
and only source of my sufferings, I was told, how- 
ever, that my stomach, liver, and spine were affected 
only from sympathy with the luncs: yet, as I fancied 
I could trace the pain from the liver to the lungs, I 
insisted that just the reverse was true, that my respi- 
ratory organs were affected only from sympathy with 
the spine, s omach, and liver. Accordin^ily in the 
face of much advice to the contrary, I sought your 
Springs, so celebrated for relieving affections of the 



41 

organs last mentioned. Though many of my friends 
were disappointed in their expectations, I was not in 
mine. I came to your Springs, and, in two weeks' 
bathing, experienced a very great abatement of ail 
nxj spinal, stomachic, and hepatic symptoms; and 
with an abatement of them, an entire disappearance 
of all pulmonary disease. Indeed all the physicians 
whom I have consulted now unite in pronouncing my 
lungs perfectly sound. It is indeed true that I have, at 
large intervals^ suffered in my respiratory organs as 
1 did formerly : but 1 have in every instance been able 
to trace it to a cold or to a biliary derangement ; fur, so 
soon as the latter were removed, the pulmonary suf- 
fering uniformly disappeared. The baths when pro- 
perly taken, for I have sometimes overdone the mat' 
ter, have uniformly produced a free disgorgeinent of 
vicious bile, and corrected the irregular and detective 
secretions of the liver, which, the first year 1 was 
here, secreted at one lime too much, and at another too 
little. I believe that my neuralgia was entirely bro- 
ken up on my first visit: though my liver and sto- 
mach are still somewhat irregular in their action, 
yet both have been slowly, yet surely improving ever 
since my first trial of the waters. My visits, how- 
ever, have been much longer than those of most — of 
three, four, and five weeks continuance; for each 
succeeding year's observation convinces me that 
many, who leave in a week or ten days' time, should 
remain twice that time, or even a month, if they 
would receive a full benefit of the baths in their indi- 
vidual case. But as soon as they begin to feel a 
little worse than usual, which is, in nine cases out 
of ten, the legitimate operation of the baths if they 
are to be benefited by them—they take passage in the 
next stage. I have now visited' these waters fur the 
fourth time; and each new Visit has been to me more 
salutary than the one before it. Chronic complaints 
require in most cases, more or less chronic cures. It 
is preposterous to suppose that actual disease may be 
2* 



m 



thrown off, and the relieved limb or organ be restored 
to a vigorous discharge of its natural and healthful 
functions in the brief period that most visiters spend 
here. I have therefore uniformly endeavored to re- 
main, not merely until all morbid action has subsided 
in the system, but until the natural and healthful 
action has been establisked in its stead. And I trust 
that my perseverance has not been in vain. I believe, 
and those who once despaired of my life tell me the 
same, that I now have as fair a prospect for a long 
life as the majority of my race, 

DAVID CALDWELL, 
of Bedford county, Va. 



PARALYSIS. 

Richmond, September 24^A, 1842. 

Dr. Thomas Goode : 

Dear Sir,— Having used your baths with such de- 
cided benefit, I deem it proper that I should give you 
a statement of my case, which I will do as briefly as 
possible. In March, 1833, 1 had a most violent attack 
of Paralysis, vi^hich destroyed the use of the whole of 
my leftside, and with it brought on a state of general 
debility, which entirely disabled me from attending 
to business. In this siiuation I left home for the 
mountains, hoping to regain my health by travelling 
and the use of the different mineral waters, but after 
spending nearly four monihs in going Irom Spring to 
Spring, I had to return home but very little benefited 
in my lame side, althoi^gh my general health had 
improved a good deal, which was some liitle encou- 
ragement to me to make another trial, and v^hen the 
next summer (1S34) opened, I again started for the 
White Sulphur, and remained there one month, and 



i 



43 

then went on to the Sweet Springs and remained two 
weeks or more, and again returned to the White Sul- 
phur, where I remained some time, but finding little 
or no improvement in my lameness, I determined that 
I would try the Hot Spring Baths, although it was 
against the advice of physician and friends, and left 
for that place, not knowing what would be the conse- 
quences of my seeming rash determination,* but when 
I saw you and received your assurance that there 
was no danger in my using the baths, I was encou- 
raged, and commenced bathing without delay, and 
found that it suited my disease exactly, for the effect 
was at once visible in the rapid improvement of my 
lameness, and the better condition of my general 
health, and I returned home cheered with my much 
improved health, and commenced a business of much 
labor and activity, which I have followed down to the 
present time, (eight years,) with little or no interrup- 
tion from my old disease. 

Very respectfully, 5^our obedient servant, 
SAM'L HARDGROVE. 



Hot Springs, Sept. 20, 1840. 

My dear Sir, — The facts of my case are briefly 
these: I have for some years been occasionally sub- 
jected to bilious difficulties. Last spring the func- 

* I have met with many others, in whom like apprehen- 
sions of danger, excited by the opinions of the inexperi- 
enced and prejudiced, have deterred them from using these 
baths, until they had exhausted all other remedies ; — they 
then came here as a last resort, and, like Mr. Hardgrove, 
were so fortunate as to be relieved. I have never seen a 
case in which any particular remedy was more decidedly 
indicated; and the result shows the caution with which 
invalids should receive such confident opinions from all who 
have no experience on the subject. 



44 



tior.s of the liver became greatly deranged, and for a 
dme I suffered severely from muscular pain in the 
limbs and body. This at length partially yielded to 
medical treatment; but I was reduced to a state of 
great debility. At this time, (early in June) I lost in 
a great measure the use of my arms. I could not ele- 
vate nor extend them; all muscular power seemed to 
be gone, I could not dress nor undress myself with- 
out assistance, and usually had my food cut up for 
me. In this state I came to the mountains, my coun- 
tenance suffused with bile, and my strength prostrated. 
This place being full, I proceeded to the White Sul- 
phur, where 1 remamed about a fortnight. During 
this time, I recovered my appetite, and the waters 
operated favorably on the system; but the arms re- 
mained essentially the same. On the 27th of August, 
I left the White Sulphur and came here, and imme- 
diately commenced under your direction, the use of 
the mineral baths. The effect was at once visible in 
the rapid improvement of my general health, and 
better condition of the arms, which have continued 
regularly to mend to the present time. I now dress 
and undress myself without assistance, and use my 
arms with tolerable freedom, and though a degree of 
weakness yet remains in some of the joints and mus- 
cles, I look forward with confidence to their perfect 
restoration. I have now been at the Hot Springs but 
little more than three weeks, during which time the 
salutary effect above described has been produced. 

This statement of facts I submit to your disposal. 
If its publication will, in yonr opinion, subserve the 
interests of humanity, by helping to make known the 
virtues of these waters, I do not feel authorized to 
withhold my consent. 

With lively gratitude for your kindness, I remain, 
with sentiments of great regard, yours, &c. 

ABRAM LAMSON. 

To Dr. T. GooDE. 



45 



Lynchburg, Feb. 5!h, 1839. 

Dear Sir, — I received on yesterday your message 
from our mutual friend, Mr. Seth Ward. It affords 
me pleasure to comply. 

In the years 1828 and '29 my daughter had a severe, 
protracted and complicated illness. The whole of one 
side became greatly paralyzed, and so continued for 
about fifteen months. 

In the season of 1829 we took her to the Hot Springs; 
she used the bath between three and four weeks. Du- 
ring the latter part of the visit she was enabled to 
move the toes in a small degree. Under the direc- 
tion of her p'lysician. Dr. Gr. A. Rose, she gradually 
improved, but remained unable to walk alone. The 
next season, A. D. 1830, we took her again to the Hot 
Springs. By the use of the bath she soon became 
able to walk — her general health gradually improved. 
She is now healthy and active. 

Yours, most respectfully, 

WM. S. REID. 

To Dr. GooDE. 



Baltimore, V2th Feb., 1839. 

Dear Sir,— In compliance with your request I trans- 
mit you an account of my case. In ihe latter part of 
1836 I had a violent attack of Cholica Pictonum and 
"White Lead disease, which in despite of the most 
energetic treatment, terminated in a paralysis of my 
arms and hands, which deprived me almost entirely 
of the use of them, with great emaciation and general 
debility and prostration. 

All remedies failing, my medical advisers recom- 
mended a visit to the Virginia Springs. Thither I 
repaired in June, 1837, and passed two weeks at the 
White Sulphur Spring, but without any evident effect 
from the use of the waters. At the end of two weeks 
I removed to the Hot Springs, and commenced the 



46 



use of the Spoat Bath immediately. In a few days 
there was evident improvement in my condition, and 
after six weeks (using the Spout Bath every day) I 
found the use of my hands end arms, and my general 
health perfectly restored. The use of my hands and 
arms has never failed me since, nor does there appear 
to be a veslige of the disease in my system. My 
friends and myself attribute my recovery entirely to 
the use of the waters at the Hot Springs. 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

CHARLES S. LEWIS. 



In November, 1831, 1 had a violent paralytic attack, 
which deprived me entirely of the use of the whole of 
my left side 1 was confined to my room, and per- 
feltly helpless for more than five years, and my left 
hand was insensible even to fire. I was then electri- 
fied, and afterwards improved a little. In June, 1839, 
I came to the Hot Springs, barely able to hobble 
about, with but little feeling in, and no use of, my left 
hand and arm. After bathing for about iwenty days, 
I could walk tolerably well, and my hand and arm 
were so much improved that I could chop v/iih an 
axe or work with a hoe. I bathed here about forty 
days, and then v:alked home, a distance of eighty 
miles, in four days, I continued to strengthen till 
June last, when I had a violent bilious fever, which 
again disabled my left leg and arm. I returned to 
the Hot Springs on the 1st of this month, and have 
bathed freely for twenty days. I feel as well now as 
when I left last year, and shall set out to-morrow on 
foot for home. 

Given under my hand this 20th day cf Sept., 1840. 
WM. SANDERSON, 
To Dr. GooDE. of Amherst Co., Va. 



47 

Hot Spnngs, 20lh June, 1840. 

More than two years aofo I was attacked with rheu- 
matism, from which I sutfered much. I took cold in 
February last, and became completely prostrated, but 
got a little better as ihe weather became warmer. 1 
had but little use of my rij'ht side— I walked with 
great dilTiculty, and could only bring the toes of the 
right foot to the heel of the left. My right arm was 
no better; my toniiue was parlly paralyzed, and I 
frequently could not speak distinctly. I had constant 
pam in my right leg and arm, and right side of my 
head, and was almost entirely deaf in one ear, and 
did not hear distinctly with the other. I got here on 
the I4th of June; I have used baths for fourteen days. 
My hearing is perfectly restored ; I speak without dil- 
hculty ; I have good use of my right leg and arm 
and am entirely free from pain. I shall set out for 
home to-morrow in good health and spirits 

JOSEPH WAAIPLER, of Illinois. 
To Dr. GooDE. 



DEAFNESS. 



Steubenville, Nov. 20, 1838. 
Dear Sir,— Annexed is a concise statement of ray 
case. For several years my health had been bad. I 
had suffered muci from a rheumatic affection of the 
muscles of my back, which was always severe in 
cold weather, and which induced me to spend some 
winters past in New Orleans About three years 
ago, after an unusual exposute, I felt that my disease 
was transferred to my head. A dizziness approach- 
ma to blindness came on, and at times I suffered an 
indescrib>ible sense of weight or heaviness on the 
bram, and almost wholly last my hearing in one ear. 



48 

These unpleasant complaints continually increased. 
In the mean time, I followed rii^idly the advice of 
physicians, I lived abstemiously, was frequently 
bled, and cupped, and had cold water and ice applied 
to my head, which produced only temporary rehel. 
At one time I used the Blue Pill until my gums be- 
came a little tender, and felt decidedly better under 
its influence. But the disease siill remained, depress- 
ing my spirits, and impairing all the enjoyments of 
life. At two diflerent times the distress in my head 
was so great as almost to deprive me of conscious- 
ness, until I was bled. Early last summer all these 
symptoms had assumed a more fixed and threatenmg 
character than at any former period, when I deter- 
mined to visit the Vircinia Hot Sprii:gs, where I 
arrived in August. I used the waters in the custom- 
ary way, permitting the spout to fall direcily on the 
ear of wliich I had lost the hearing, and over the head 
c^enerally. I experienced immediate good eflfect, and 
before I left the Hot Springs, where I remained about 
three weeks, recovered my hearing entirely, and also 
felt perfect relief in my head. This relief has conti- 
nued up to this time. 1 find no inconvenience what- 
ever to follow the use of my ordinary diet, and can 
truly say, that I have not felt so entirely m good 
health for many years. 

Very respectfully, your ob't serv t, 

MARTIN ANDREWS. 



To Dr. T. Goode: 

I took a severe cold in March, 1835, which settled 
mainly in mv head, and after a few days I became so 
deaf 1 was unable to hear or distinguish a word of 
common conversation. I could not hear my watch 
at all with the left ear, and very indistinctly with the 
ri^'ht. Both my ears felt as if filled with water, and 
ea'ch step I look in walking produced a sort of muf- 



49 

fled sounding in them, as of forcing out water. I 
remained in this situation four or five weeks, when I 
placed myself under the care of a physician, and 
remained under his treatment for about two months. 
My right ear recovered considerably in this time, but 
It never had been so dull as the left. I could just 
hear the watch with the left ear for about four or five 
days of the said time, when I took cold and could not 
hear it afterwards, 

I arrived at the Hot Springs on the IGih of August, 
and after four or five baths, holding the back of my 
head under the spout the greater part of the time I 
was in the bath, I could hear my watch with my left 
ear, which I had not done (except four or five days 
as I have stated,) since I was first taken. I think the 
right ear improved also; but in the course of three or 
four days there was a considerable change in the air 
and I took cold, which so muffled up my head and 
hearing that I could not hear my watch with the left 
ear at all. I remained at the Hot Springs about ten 
days, without any further change or aheiation and 
then proceeded to the Wh.ite Sulphur, where I remain- 
ed nine or ten days; then proceeded to the Salt Sul- 
phiir; thence to the Sweet Springs, and on the 12th 
of September 1 returned again to the Hot Springs. I 
was not conscious of any improvement in my hearing- 
at any time in the course of my visits to those Springs'' 
but on the contrary, I took cold frequently, and I 
thmk my head and hearing were more muffled on the 
12th of September , when I returned to the Hot Springs 
than at any time after my arrival at the mountains^ 
I could not hear my watch with my left ear at all • 
the muffled sounding was increased, and when I closed 
the right ear, I was scarcely able to hear even the 
rumbling of the carriage in which I travelled. In 
about three days after my arrival at the Hot Springs 
the second time, I could hear mv watch with my left 
ear again, and it continued to improve until I could 
hear as plainly and as distinctly with it, as with my 



50 



right ear, and both, I think, were improving, when I 
took leave of the Hot Springs on the 28th of Septem- 
ber, after a residence of sixteen days. The muffled 
sound and seeming of water in my ears, had left me 
entirely. 

[The above statement was presented by a gentle- 
man from Fredericktown,in Maryland, who does not 
wish publicity given to his name. He was at the 
Hot Springs in August following, and informed me 
that his hearing had continued perfectly good.] 



Hot Springs, Sept. 18, 1840, 

Dear Sir,— At your request, I give you a statement 
of my case. In February last I was taken with a 
violent cold in my head, which left me almost entirely 
deaf in my left ear. I came to the Hot Springs on 
the I8th of July, and after using the baths freely for 
about two weeks, my hearing was restored, and has 
continued perfect without interruption up to this date. 
JOHN B. CUTTING, 

To Dr. GooDE. Lt. U. S, Navy. 



RHEUMATISM. 

Hot Springs, Aug. 8, 183S. 
ToT. Goode: 

Dear Sir,— I give you a short statement of my case. 
In 1826 or '7 I experienced a severe attack of Bilious 
Fever, which reduced me very low. I was scarce 
able to leave my bed, when the fever was succeeded 
by a violent attack of inflammatory rheumatism, from 
which I recovered in about iwo months. In Febru- 
ary, 1835, after a slight bilious attack, the rheumatism 



51 



returned in a chronic form and reduced me to a state 
of helplessness. All hope of recovery was deemed 
idle, my constitution being very weak. I left home 
for the White Sulphur in June following, remained 
there two weeks, and left with a severe cold that 
augmented my disease. 

I remainetl here near or quite a month, taking the 
spout and boiler baths alternately, and entirely reco- 
vered. I have not had the slightest return of the dis- 
ease since. Yours, &c. 

WM. M. DARLINGTON, of Pittsburgh. 



Hot Springs, 2dth August, 1833. 

In the month of January, 1806, during my attend- 
ance on the Virginia Legislature, of which I was 
then a member, I was very sorely afflicted with an 
attack of Inflammatory Rheumatism, and about the 
1st of July in the same year, after the disease had 
assumed a chronic state, I arrived at the Hot Springs 
in Virginia, much debilitated, requiring two persons 
to put me in and take me out of a carriage. I re- 
mained at the Springs sixty-three days, using the bath 
once every day except three. I was weighed the day 
I got to the Springs, and also on the day I left them, 
and if I was correctly weighed, I gained sixty pounds 
in weight in sixty-three days, aad remained free from 
that complaint for upwards of twenty years. 

H. CALLOWAY, of Franklin Co. 



Dr. T. GooDE : 

Dear Sir, — In accordance with your request, I send 
you a statement of the effect of the Hot Springs bath 
in my case. After a severe spell of fever, I was 
attacked with acute pains in one arm, leg and foot, 



52 



succeeded by hard, indolent swellings, which took 
away the use of the affected limbs, and confined me 
to my room for several months. I was under medi- 
cal treatment during the whole time, but all the reme- 
dies used, failed. I went to the Hot Springs and used, 
the bath for two or three weeks; when the swellings 
suppurated, they discharged freely, and I gradually 
recovered the use of my limbs. 

Since that period, my health has been better than 
usual, and I attribute all to the Hot Baih. 

Yours, &c. WM. CHAPMAN. 

Waynesboro'. Oct. 3lst, 1838. 



Tarboro\ N. C, Sept. 10, 1833. 

The following communication is made to Doctor 
Goode, the present proprietor of the Hot Springs in 
Virginia, to be published, if he thinks proper, for the 
benefit of the afflicted. 

For six or eight years prior to the winter of 1828, I 
was more or less afflicted with severe pains in my 
joints, elbows, shoulders and back, and about the 25th 
of December, 1828, 1 was completely prostrated with 
a severe attack of chronic rheumatism in almost 
every joint in ray system, which rendered me entirely, 
helpless. I could neither dress nor undress, turn my- 
self in bed nor assist myself in any way for the space 
of six months. On the 4ih of July following, for the 
first time, I ventured out of the house, and with the 
aid of a stick in each hand, I walked about two hun- 
dred yards. I continued very weak until the Spring 
of 1830, when, as the warm weather set in, my pains 
abated a little. Shortly after, by the advice of my 
friends, I set out for the Hot Springs in Virginia, 
where I arrived early in July, and remained until 
some time in September, during which time I was in 
the Hot Bath forty-five times, and while under the 
operation of sweating, my pains returned to such a 



53 



degree that I could not raise my' head. Some of the 
visiters who had been there before, told me it was a 
sure siffii I should get well ; and so it turned out ; for 
after having left the Springs a few weeks my pains 
gradually left me, and with the exception of a very 
slight attack in my left ancle last winter, I have been 
entirely free from pain since my return from the 
Springs in 1830, and am now^ at home in good health, 
following my usual business. 

W. CROCKET. 



Hot Springs, 28lh August-, 1833. 

In the month of December, 1827, I was attacked, 
as I supposed, with a severe tooth-ache, and in a few 
days had the tooth extracted, but it afforded me no 
relief. In a day or two afterwards it was discovered 
that I had a bilious fever, my jaws swelled so as to 
threaten suffocation. One entire side of my jaw bone 
burst as low down as the teeth went in, and the bone 
was extracted. The outer side of my jaw formed an 
abscess on the outside from which several pieces of 
bone were extracted. This abscess connected itself 
with the other diseased side, so that when any liquid 
was injected in on the outside abscess, it came out on 
the opposite side in my mouth. I was then taken 
with severe pains in my back, which continued for 
several M^eeks; ihey then fell into my extremities and 
deprived me of the use of them. The pain was so 
severe, that at at one time it seemed like my feet were 
on red hot iron, and at another they felt as if they 
were pierced through with icicles. My shoulders, 
arms and hands were but little better; they swelled 
largely, with but little mitigation of pain; my legs, 
ancles and feet had strong indications of dropsy; 
when pressed would pit and remain so for a length 
of time. In this situation I was carried in July, 1828, 
to the Hot Springs, in Bath county, in Virginia, as 



m 



helpless as an infant, and commenced using the wa- 
ters by being held under what is called the Spout 
Bath, "which produced no change for the better. I 
was then put into what is called the boiler, and after 
using it about* one week, my hands, though much 
contracted, began to have their natural feeling, and 
in five weeks my arms and shoulders were entirely 
well; my back, legs and feet did not mend so fast, 
but were much relieved. When I left the Spring 
about September, I could sit up and move my feet 
and legs about, but could neither stand nor walk ; nor 
could I do so until the Istof November, when I could 
move about on crutches. 1 continued to mend slowly, 
until the next August, when I again visited the sanie 
Springs and used the bpiler for abo'it a month, which 
restored me to almost perfect health. 

In the Spring of 1831 I visited the Siales of Ohio, 
Kentucky and Tennessee, and was on horseback lor 
near ten weeks, and frequently wet, without injury. 
In July, 1832, I was, when very hot, overtaken by a 
heavy fall of rain and got very wet, which caused 
my former disease with all its symptoms, to return 
partially upon me. I have now been at the Hot 
Springs using the boiler for about a monih, and which 
has again almost entirely relieved me. I am a native 
of Bedford county, Va., where I now reside, and am 
forty-seven years of age. 

B. PRESTON. 



Philadelphia, 23d February, 1834. 

In the year 1826 I contracted a very bad cold, by 
sitting for several months in a room which had been 
recently plastered upon very thin walls. The cold at 
first fell upon my breast, and was attended with a 
cough. Al'ier some time the cough subsided, and I 
was seized suddenly with a pain in the right arm. In 
a few days the pain became very violent ; it was sea ted 



55 

principally in the shoulder blade, but extended like- 
wise from the shoulder down to the points of the fin- 
gers. The best medical aid was resorted lo, but there 
was no alleviation of the pain, not even for a minute. 
In this situation I got little or no sleep ; the agony was 
so much increased by lying in bed, that the only rest 
obtained was by lying with my clothes on across the 
foot of the bed, with the affected arm hanging down. 
In this situation exhausted nature would sink into a 
doze, out of which I was soon again awakened by 
the pain. The arm dwindled away, my appetite 
failed, and my general health was fast declining. 
Reduced to this state, I determined to try the Hot 
Springs in Virginia. With difficulty I was taken 
there, and had no reason to repent of my determina- 
tion. I took forty hot baths, using the blankets each 
time. At the end of two months I returned home so 
much altered in appearance that I was the object of 
astonishment to those who had seen me previous to 
my departure, and in another month I was perfectly 
restored to health. P. A. BROWN. 

To Dr. Go ODE, Hot Springs, Bath Co., Va. 



Halifax, Feb. Ath, 1839. 

Dear Sir, — Owing to imprudent exposure, I became, 
some time in February, completely prostrated by a 
violent attack of Rheumatism, each limb and every 
joint being more or less affected. Though the spine 
and muscles of the right leg seemed to be the princi- 
pal seat of the disease — this limb w^as very much 
drawn up and evidently shrinking away, and for se- 
veral months I could only hobble about the house on 
crutches, and even this was painful. After applying 
many remedies without benefit, I was fast reconciling 
myself to the idea of being lame for life, when, by 
the advice of physicians I started for the Hot Springs. 
On reaching the Springs I walked with difficulty and 



m 



pain, but after the second trial of the boiler there was 
evident improvement, alter this it was rapid, and in 
five weeks after reaching the Hot Springs, (as I 
thought, a cripple for life,) I found myself restored to 
a sound and healthy condition, this happy result being 
brought about by the free use of the Hot Spring 
Baths, which, when used prudently, will soon prove 
that they are fully entitled to the high reputation 
which they have acquired. 

1 remain your friend sincerely, &c. 

THOxVIAS G.COLEMAN. 



I have been more or less subject to Rheumatism 
for fifteen years, generally most lame in warm wea- 
ther. In August, 1839, 1 had a severe rheumatic fever 
— was unable to walk for several months. In the 
summer of 1840 I went to Saratoga Springs, and the 
Sulphur Springs at Avon, Livingston county, New- 
York. I received no benefit at eiiher place. In the 
summer of 1841 I visited the Springs in Virginia — 
arrived at the Ho: Springs about the 1st of August — 
I bathed every day for twenty-three or twenty-four 
days— commenced in the Spout Bath 100 deg., bathed 
eight or ten days, each time fifteen to twenty minutes, 
then went into bath 103 deg. for a few days — from 
that to the Hot Spout 106 deg.-, after bathing in that 
ten to fifteen minutes for a day or two, I returned to 
the 103 deg. again, finding the Hot Spout too exciting 
— continued to bathe in 103 deg. for ten or twelve 
days, from twenty-five to thirty minutes each time. 
While taking the baths I felt more pain and uneasi- 
ness in my limbs than usual. After leaving the 
Springs a few days, my strength increased, and I 
have gradually improved in health. Finding the ef- 
fects of the baths at the Hot Springs of great advan- 
tage last season, 1 have been induced to try the same 
this summer, 1812, Commencing, as formerly, in 



57 



bath 100 deg. for several days, then in 103 deg. From 
previous experience, as well as my present feelings, 
I find the bath 103 deg, warm as is necessary, and 
any higher temperature would only aggravate my 
disease. 1 feel confident that I have received great 
benefit from the Hot Springs, and if I gain in healih 
as much from my visit this year as ihe lasi, I shall 
feel myself well rewarded for time and expense, and 
shall be induced to try the Hot Springs next year, 
should I not find my health perfectly restored, 

JOHN WETHERELL, of Boston. 
To Dr. Ths. Goode. August 18, 1840. 



Hot Sp-ings, 10th Sept., J 844, 

To Dr, Goode: 

In 1828 I had an obstinate Bilious Fever, from 
which I was near twelve moni!is recovering, and for 
thirteen years afterwards, whenever I exposed my- 
self or the weather changed suddenly, I had attacks 
of rheumatism, more or less severe, and frequently 
confined for several days to my room, Jn 1841 I 
had another Bilious Fever, which confined me for 
eight weeks — the rheumatism then returned, and in 
six weeks completely prostrated me. At no time in 
the last two years and a half could I say that I was 
free from suffering — and often the very thought of 
motion was a matter of dread to me, I suffered most 
in my wrists, hands, knees, ancles and feet. I arrived 
here on the I7th of August, and after using Ihe Spout 
and Boiler alternately for one week — the Boiler every 
day for one week, and then the Spout alone for twelve 
days — I find myself entirely relieved. Of your kind 
and friendly attentions to me, I shall feel it my duty 
to speak wherever God in his providence may cast 
my lot. I am very truly, your friend antl ob't serv't,, 
D. G, DOAK, of Clarkesville, Va. 



5S 



OLD INJURIES. 



In 1837, after spending three weeks at the White 
and other Sulphur Springs, where I drank the waters, 
I visited the Hot Springs, and there took regularly 
two spout baths a day from the 8th to the I8ih of 
September, inclusive. My object was to get rid of a 
rheumatic pain above the right hip, occasioned by a 
fall the year previous. The second spout removed 
the pain from the hip to the shoulder, and the suc- 
ceeding ones made it travel still more over my back ; 
thus I suffered more that week than I ever had done 
before, but at the end of ten days I left the Springs 
entirely free from pain. The second and third spouts 
produced likewise a most extraordinary effect on the 
iiver, a copious yellow evacuation, such as I never 
witnessed in my life. 

In 1838, I spent a week at the spout, in order to see 
whether it would produce the same discharge, but it 
had no longer the same effect.* 

H. DAVRAINVILLE, of Philadelphia. 

Hot Springs^ Sept. Isi, 1838. 



In December, 1835, Mr. Tendall, of Philadelphia, 
slightly fractured a muscle of his right arm, just be- 
low the elbow. He continued to use the arm until 
February, 1836, when he contracted a rheumatism, 
which seized upon the injured part of the right arm, 
which swelled to double its natural size, and became 

♦The reason is obvious: in 1837 there was redundant 
bile in the liver — in 1838 there was no more than was neces- 
sary to serve the purposes of the healthy system. Where 
there is no redundant Inle, there can be no copious or exceS' 
sive bUious discharge. 



59 



black and almost as hard as bone. He took the best 
medical advice and the usual remedies for rheuma- 
tism for the space of two months, and grew worse. 
He suffered acute pain, and lost his rest at night, and 
ahnost despaired of everrecovering the use of his arm. 

His general health was much injured by unremit- 
ting pain and loss of rest. 

In May, 1836, he travelled through the Western 
States and stopped at the Hot Springs on his return. 
His right arm was entirely useless. He took the 
Spout Bath daily for a week, and was enabled to 
resume the use of his arm so as to dress without 
assistance, and became free from pain. He after- 
wards took the Spout and Sweat Baths alternately, 
one a day for six weeks, and recovered wiih the 
most astonishing rapidity, gaining daily accessions of 
health and strength, and now (March, 1837,) the use 
of his arm is entirely restored ; and the swelling has 
almost disappeared. He drank five or six glasses of 
the water daily. 



Southampton, Ibth Feb., 1843, 

Dear Sir,— Having derived the most important be- 
nefit from the use of the Spout Bath at the Hot 
Springs, it gives me pleasure to comply with your 
request and bear testimony to its virtues. 

In the month of August, 1829, a horse ran away 
with me in a gig — I leaped out, ifractured the small 
bone in my leg, and injured the patilla or knee-pan 
most severely. A tedious confinement was the con- 
spqaence. When I was sufficiently recovered to leave 
my bed, I found the leg so contracted that I could not 
walk without the aid of crutches. Indeed, when 
standing erect, my foot did not reach the ground by 
four inches. The limb shrunk from inaction, and 
fearing I should be a cripple for life, I visited Phila- 
delphia and consulted Dr. Physic. He told me my 



60 



case was hopeless, and surgical aid would be of no 
avail. I returned home and went to the Hot Springs — 
I had then been on crutches more than twelve months 
— my left leg was not half the size of the right, and 
so contracted, that I could not get the foot to the 
ground. The very first bath relaxed the contraction 
— my leg became straight, and I walked back to my 
cabin without crutches. I used the bath once a day 
for about three weeks. The limb was gradually re- 
stored, and I have never used crutches since. I re- 
gard m)'self as indebied to the Hot Springs for my 
leg, I am, most respectfully. 

Your ob't serv't and friend, 

J. Y. MASOJ^. 



UTERINE DISEASES. 



University of Virginia^ Dec. 10, 1841. 
Dr. Thomas Goode: 

Dear Sir,— I have just received your letter of the 
7th inst., soliciting my "opinion and experience" of 
the remedial effects of the waters of "the Hot Springs 
in Chronic diarrhoea and difficult menstruation." 

In reply to your inquiry I may state, that for many 
years, but particularly for the last ten, and during 
my residence in Baltimore, I have advised all my 
patients, who were afflicted either with chronic diar- 
rhcEa or painful menstruation that resisted medical 
treatment, to avail themselves of the remedial powers 
of the waters of the Hot Springs, and I do not now 
recollect an instance, where the proper preparatory 
measures, and indispensable auxiliary regimen to the 
use of the baths were strictly observed and persevered 
in, in which my expectations of the efficacy of the 
waters were disappointed. 



61 

It is true that a few cases have occurred in wkich 
the patient returned to me without receiving any re- 
lief, and some have claimed my attention in which 
the diseases appeared aggravated— but in all these 
cases, upon a close scrutiny it was ascertained, that 
either the preparatojy measures necessary to be adopt- 
ed previous to taking the baths, or the auxiliary regi- 
men, to be used simultaneously with bathing, were 
not rigidly adhered to. 

I feel constrained by the result of my observation 
and experience during my recent visit to the Hot 
Springs, to state that I believe that those waters are 
as potent for injury as well as benefit to those afflicted 
with chronic diarrha?a or painful menstruation, that 
none such should use them without the advice of a 
physician conversant with their qualities. And phy- 
sicians, when recommending this watering place to 
their patients, should make them aware, that travel- 
ling and its incidents sometimes convert chronic into 
acute affections, and that a regimen and a course of 
medical treatment, very proper in the former state, 
may be highly improper in the latter condition. 
1 am, very respectfully, yours, 

H. HOWARD, M. D. 



LOSS OF VOICE. 

Hot Springs, mh Sept., 1836. 



To Dr. Goode: 



In the year 1826 I was taken with a violent cold, 
which deprived me of the power of uttering a word 
above a whisper. The tonsils, epiglottis, and end of 
the windpipe were considerably inflamed and swollen, 
especially in cold, damp weather. In 1827 1 visited 
the Red, Salt, and White Sulphur Springs, which 



62 



improved my general health. In 1828 I came to the 
Hot Springs and took forty-two sweat baths in suc- 
cession, and occasionally the spout. My general 
health was greatly improved, and my voice so much 
strengthened as to enable me to converse in the ordi- 
nary tone of common conversation. I remained at 
the Hot Springs fifty-seven days and gained twenty- 
two pounds in weight, I used no animal food whilst 
bathing. I am, very respectfully, 

W. FOUNTAIN, of Fluvanna Co., Va. 



NEURALGIA. 

Hot Springs 21th Augitst, 1844. 
Dr. Goode: 

For several years anterior to 1843, 1 had been most 
severely afflicted by acute Neuralgia, particularly in 
my right side, from the arm-pit to the hip bone. The 
paroxysms were so severe, that my system, in spite 
of all the remedies I could obtain, was reduced to 
great debility and emaciation, and consequent mental 
depression. I had visited Saratoga Springs twice, 
and some other watering places, without any perma- 
nent benefit. In the summer of 1843 I determined to 
try the Virginia Springs. After about a month spent 
in using the White and other Sulphur waters, I re- 
paired to the Hot Springs, and after using the Spout 
Bath and Boiler for two weeks every day — and some- 
times twice a day — I was to my great surprise and 
gratification ivholl]/ relieved. For twelve months past 
I have had but one slight paroxysm. Under Provi- 
dence, I may therefore confidently ascribe my resto- 
ration to the Hot Springs. As the disease abated, 
my appetite, flesh and strength increased, and de- 
spondency has flown, I trust, forever. 
I am, very respectfully, 

J. C. HERBERT, of Maryland. 



63 



ADDITIONAL CASE OF LIVER DISEASE. 

Amelia county, April llih, 1846, 
Dr. Goode: 

Dear Sir,— "When I was at the Hot Springs last 
summer, 1 promised to give you a statement of the 
effects of the baths on me, which I have neglected to 
do until now. In the year 1841 my health, from some 
cause, became very bad: I was laboring under great 
debility, and my physician advised me to take a trip 
to the mountains and use the Sulphur Waters, which 
I did, freely, and found considerable relief— which 
proved however only temporary. As the warm wea- 
ther came on, next spring", 1 suffered more from debi- 
lity even than the season before, and my physician 
pronounced my disease a functional derangement of 
the liver, and again advised me to go to the Sulphur 
Springs; but on my way to the Springs, I met an ac- 
quaintance who advised me to go by the Hot Springs 
and use your baths, which I did for eight or ten days, 
and they acted like a charm on my system ; and the 
benefit was much more permanent than any thing I 
had ever tried before: and T^uave since then, when I 
have visited the mountains, tried the baths with evi- 
dent beuefit, and consider their use more advantage- 
ous to me than all the mineral waters in the moun- 
tains. I am very respectfully yours, 

J. G. JEFFERSON. 



6^ 



GENERAL REMARKS. 

We have now presented the reader with Fifty-three 
cases of various chronic diseases, which were either 
entirely relieved or materially benefited by the use of 
these waters. Most of them were complicated — of 
long continuance, and of a most untractable charac- 
ter, having resisted for years the best efforts of the 
healing art. Thirty of those were cases of liver dis- 
ease, complicated with dyspepsia, diarrhoea or he- 
morrhage. In fourteen cases, the liver was gorged 
with its own secretions. In thirteen of these, that 
organ disgorged itself in from one to ten baths, with- 
out the aid of medicine. In the other, Mr. Coleman's, 
of Georgia, the torpor of the organ was overcome in 
three days, when ten grains of calomel produced fif een 
evacuations of vitiated bile, followed by complete re- 
lief—forty grains of calomel having been repeatedly 
before administered with little or no effect. In eight 
of these thirty cases, the White .Sulphur Spring was 
tried with manifest injury ; in three with partial bene- 
fit ; in ten without any sensible effect; and in the other 
nine, the patients came (directly to the Hot Springs, 
and without using Sulphur water any where. Of the 
six cases of pnraly sis, /A?(?e visited the White Sulphur, 
but without any evident effect on the paralysis. Of 
the three cases of deafness, one visited the Sulphur 
Springs, and to his injury. Of the nine cases of rheu- 
matism, one only tried the Sulphur water, and came 
off' worsted — the other eight were cured at the Hot 
Springs, and without Sulphur water. 

The results in the above cases, establish incontes- 
tibly two facts of vital importance to invalids:— 1st, 
They prove the fallacy of that popular belief by 
which so many have been influenced, to wit— that a 
course of Suiphur water is an essential preparative for 
a course of these; and 2d, That the reverse of this is 
triLe -that there are many cases in which the Sulphur 



66 

waters are ineffectual or injurious before, but decidedly 
benejicial after] a course at the Hot'Springs. 

One of the most rommon forms of chronic Liver 
Disease, is that in which the organ is torpid — its secre- 
tions morbid, scanty, and retained— as in the case of 
Mr. W. E. Johnson, of Camden, ^. C. The patient 
is dyspeptic, his bowels costive, skin jaundiced and 
performing its functions imperfectly, urine scanty and 
charged with bile, which passes in sufficient quanti- 
ties through the kidneys and skin to prevent an accu- 
mulation or redundancy ol it in the cavities of the 
liver. There are cases in the earlier stages of which 
the effects of Sulphur water are partial and deceptive. 
The bowels with the aid of the blue pill are generally 
acted on, with ^ohite mucous or loatcry discharges — 
there is a free action on the kidneys and skin — the 
bile which has been absorbed into the system, passes 
off through these two channels— the patient soon loses 
his jaundiced appearance, and is so improved in his 
general feelings, as to think himself well — but not- 
withstanding all this, the fountain and origin of all 
his difficulties, the torpor of his liver, is not relieved ; 
and after leaving the Spring long enough for the ef- 
fects of the water to subside, he finds (as was the case 
with Mr. John L. Wilkins, of Brunswick, for two 
successive seasons) all his difficulties returned upon 
him. But when the case is more chronic and the or- 
gan more torpid — as in Mr. Carlton's and Mr. John- 
son's on his second year's visit to the White Sulphur, 
the water disagrees from the commencement. These 
eases generally terminate in dropsy or diarrhcea, and 
frequently in a complication with both. The cases 
of Messrs. Johnson, Carlton, and Palmer, were all 
three of this nature— these three gentlemen were liv- 
ing in September last. 

It is a matter of doubt whether a protracted case of 
this sort admits of relief, without the intervention of 
Medicated Thermal Baths. 

Thermal Mineral Waters, so far as the American 
3* 



physicians are concerned, are as a new and unirkd 
remedy. This is the only Hot Springs on this side 
of the Mississippi. But few physicians have visited 
it — and still fewer have remained long enough to be- 
come acquainted with the full effects of the water. 
In Europe, Thermal Springs are numerous and many 
of them have been frequented and celebrated from 
one hundred to upwards of two thousand years — and 
it is to European physicians that we must look for 
reliable information. Some twelve years ago, three* 
of the principal German Hot Springs began to attract 
the attention of English in\^alids. This induced three 
of the most distinguished English practitioners, Drs. 
Johnson and Granville, and Mr. Edwin Lee, to visit 
the continental Springs for several successive sea- 
sons, and for the purpose of professional observation, 
information and report. Each of these gentlemen 
have published works on the subject, which I have 
imported, as they were not to be had in this country. 
I have examined these works most attentively. Mr. 
Lee treats of eighty mineral Springs— twenty-six 
of them Thermal. Dr. Johnson treats of twenty — 
twelve of them Thermal — and Dr. Granville treats 
of thirty-six— eight of them Thermal — in all forty-six 
Thermal Springs. In no one instance do either of 
those gentlemen, nor any of the continertal physi- 
cians from whom they derived information at these 
different Springs, speak of or advise the sending of 
patients to cold saline springs, to prepare them lor a 
course at the Hot Springs: but on the contrary, many 
patients, after having their torpid systems propeily 
roused and prepared at the Hot Springs^ are sent to such 
cold saline, sulphur, or chalybeate springs as may be 
thought indicated in their respective cases. And at 
most of these springs, the correctness of this practice 
has been confirmed by an experience of from one 
hundred to five hundred years — and moreover, there 

* Weisbaden, Wildbad, and Carlsbad. 



67 



is not a Thermal Spring in Europe of which we have 
any thing like a circumstantial account, that is not 
celebrated per se for its efficacy in all chronic affections 
of the biliary and digestive organs and of the uterus. 

In Europe, diseases intrinsically chronic are treated 
by Thermal and Chalybeate Waters— diseases of an 
opposite nature by cold saline aperient and Sulphur- 
ous Waters, 

These cases present another consideration of prime 
importance to the bather, to wit: the necessity of a 
proper discrimination as to the temperature and man- 
ticr of applying the baths. In many cases, from one 
to five Spout Baths produced complete relief, In 
others, nothing but the Boiler and blankets afforded 
relief, Mr, Calloway took sixty hot baths in sixty- 
three days; Mr. Crocket took forty-five Boilers in 
succession, Mr, Preston thirty-five, Mr. P, A. Brown 
forty, Mr, Fountain forty-two; they were all cured 
and are all now living. Mr. Calloway v/as cured 
forty years ago — Mr. Crocket fifteen — Mr. Pres- 
ton eighteen — Mr, Brown twenty— Mr, Fountain 
eighteen. If the treatment of these cases had been 
reversed, it is doubtful whether a single cure would 
have been effected ; the Spout Bath could not have 
relieved the cases which required such long continu- 
ance of the Boiler; and in the cases cured by the 
Spouts, the Boiler would inevitably have produced 
violent if noi fatal excitement. 

There are two other causes from which bathers at 
this place suffer; from errors in diet and from indulg- 
ing in ice water, I have seen many cases in which 
the effects of the baths were entirely counteracted by its 
use. Ice in every shape is forbidden by the resident 
physicians at all the German Hot Springs. 



COLD AND HOT BATHS CONTRASTED. 

There is another point involving the comfort and 
oftentimes safety of invalids, upon which we find our- 
selves in opposition to the prevailing opinions and 
practice of the day— that is, the effects of the Cold 
and of ihe Warm or Hot Bath, in chronic and debili- 
tated conditions of the system. 

The ionic and bracing effects of the cold bath, and 
the debilitating effects of the warm or hot bath, seems 
to be in the mouth of almost everybody; now we 
maintain, and shall endeavor to shov/, that precisely 
■the reverse of this is true : that cold baths dcbilitoie, and 
that warm and hot baths strengthen, enfeebled systems. 

Dr. Bell, in his valuable work on Baths and Mine- 
ral Waters, lays down the following propositions : 
that a cold bath is neither stimulant nor to7iic; that its 
effect on man and aiiimals is sedative; that it produces 
a general diminution oi function in the nervous and vas- 
cular systems; that in iveak habits there is no reaction, 
or it is incomplete; and that here it is directly and une- 
quivocally enfeebling. These he supports by indisputa- 
ble facts and irrefragable arguments. The hardy 
Spartans have been often referred to as an evidence 
of the tonic effects of the cold bath ; but the treatment 
and discipline to which the young in Sparta were sub- 
jected, were so severe, that neatly all the feeble died 
— none but the naturally robust could survive them. 

The elucidations of Dr. Johnson on this, are so full 
and masterly that we shall copy them. " If a person 
be immersed in cold water, the whole system receives 
a shock, and the blood is driven rapidly from the ca- 
pillaries of the surface, upon the interior trunks, whose 
elasticity enables them to accommodate themselves 
to this sudden change of balance in the circulation. 
Reaction next succeeds, more or less quickly, accord- 
ing to the strength of the constitution. The contract- 
ile power of the heart and arteries soon overcomes 
the collapse of the capillaries, and there is a rush of 



69 

blood 10, and a glow of heat over, the surface of the 
body. This oscillation, produced partly by ait and 
partly by nature, is extremely salutary under ordina- 
ry circumstances, and conducted in a proper manner. 
The previous torpid capillary and perspiratory vessels 
of the skin are thus roused, as it were, and distended 
by the new impulse from within, and ihe whole excre- 
tory apparatus is put in motion. But this is not all : 
the various glandular organs of the body sympathize 
with the skin, a new stimulus is given to their func- 
tions, and the whole system experiences a kind of 
renovation, evinced by the lightness, flow of spirits, 
and pleasant sensations which succeed the cold bath. 
This reaction or glow is the criterion of salubrity in 
the practice of bathing, and the sooner it takes place 
after the immersion the better. I say after the immer- 
sion, for in very vigorous constitutions it comes on be- 
fore the person leaves the water. In proportion as the 
constitution is itjeak, or the action of the heart and arte- 
ries enfeebled, the access of the reaction will be later 
and later, and in some it will net come at all — when the 
bath u highly dangerous. We may thus gain an in- 
sight into the diseases for which the cold bath offers 
advantages, and also those where it will in all proba- 
bility disagree. An erroneous opinion that the cold 
bath braced, and that the warm bath relaxed, has led 
thousands laboring under symptonas of debility to use 
the cold bath, vjxih. direct detriment to theirconstitutions. 
A very considerable proportion of those complaints 
characterized by debility, are dependant on organic 
or functional derangements of the Aeari^; and in these 
the shock of the cold bath, the sudden afflux of blood 
from the surface to the centre, and even the effort at 
reaction are highly deleterious and often dangerous. 
Again, obstructions or infractions of the liver, spleen, 
ox any of the glandular organs, offer insuperable bars 
to the cold bath. Hence we see how accurately should 
the seat and cause of a patient's disease be investi- 
g-ated and ascertained, before we thoughtlessly, as is 



70 



too often the case, recommend the trial of sea-balhing,. 
when we are tired and foiled in the exhibition of other 
remedies. The chest and abdomen should be minute- 
ly examined by percussion and compression — the phe- 
nomena of the circulation, resflraiion, biliary secretion , 
&c., carefully scrutinized, before we venture to pre- 
scribe a measure on which so much of the patient's 
health, nay, life, may depend. 

Warm Bath.— The warm bath is used in the east- 
ern world from the Equator to the Pole ; and the very 
circumstance of its being considered so refreshing a 
cordial in hot climates, is a sufficient answer to the 
popular but erroneous opinion of its debilitating effects. 
It is true that the effeminate Romans carried this 
luxury to such a pitch of vicious extravagance, as to 
bring on it the title of one of the three great destroyers 
of human life ; but this only proves its abuse^ without 
at all militating against its salutary operation, when 
used in moderation. Indeed, if the general use of the 
warm bath should ever become prevalent in this 
country, it will probably produce a more beneficial 
revolution on the health and longevity of the inha- 
bitants, than any change which the hand of time has 
ever wrought. So far from weakening or enervating 
the constitution, it has a decidedly contrary effect, 
and therefore in debilitated subjects, it is infinitely 
more proper and saje^ than the cold bath. We have 
seen that the paramount good effects of the cold bath 
result from the reaction of the system. Now this re- 
action is entirely an effort of the constitution to resist, 
as it were, or undo, what the cold immersion had 
produced. Here a considerable degree of vital ener- 
gy is necessary, otherwise some internal viscus may 
suffer. But the warm bath, say at '^'o* elicits the 

* In most protracted cases a temp, of ^^ is too low ta 
equalize the circulation — they require from 98 to 100, anci 
frequently 106, as in the case of Mrs. Hahrison, and ther« 
are also many who require the boiler and blankets. 



71 

blood to the surface of the body, with hardly any 
ot that reaction observed after the cold bath. The 
whole cutaneous system of vessels is thus filled with 
blood, while the vessels of the interior organs are 
relieved, and that without any particular exertion of 
the heart, which might render it liable to subsequent 
exhaustion. This accident, we frequently see follow 
the cold bath, where the dip has been too short, and 
ihe reaction too smart. The patient falls back after 
the glow into a chilly state, during the remainder of 
the day, an indication of weakness in the circulating 
organs. On the other hand, when the patient is im- 
mersed for ten, fifteen or twenty minutes in the warm 
bath, the spirits are raised, the pulse mended, and the 
appetite increased; in short, a general renovation is 
felt throughout the whole frame. The diseases for 
which the warm bath may be employed are much 
more numerous than those where the cold bath can 
be exhibited with safety. A tonic gout, indolent swell- 
ings of the joints or lymphatic glands, paralysis, scro- 
fula, chlorosis— almost the whole class of cutaneous 
diseases— cAroTiic obstructions of the liver and other 
abdaminal viscera, nephtitic and calculous disorders, 
colic, enteritis, (particularly where the vascular ac- 
tion is reduced and the obstipation is violent,) and a 
multitude of other "ills flesh is heir to," are removed 
or mitigated by this sovereign and potent medicinal 
agent. 

That the invalid may have an opportunity to con- 
trast the medicinal effects of the Virginia Hot Springs 
with those of some of the most celebrated Hot Springs 
of Europe, we offer for his consideration the following 
extracts from the works of Drs. Johnson and Gran- 
ville, and Mr. Edwin Lee, three distinguished Brit- 
ish physicians, on three of the most efficacious Ther- 
mal Springs of Germany, Weisbaden, Wild bad and 
Carlsbad. 



72 



WEISBADEN. 

The highest temperature here is 157 deg. of Fah- 
renheit. 

It is remarked by Dr. Richtbr, that as the greater 
number of patients at Weisbaden are afflicted with 
gouty or rheumatic complaints, so they must expect 
to experience the specific effects of the waters more 
sensibly than other people. It is not uncommon^ 
therefore, for these to suffer, at the beginning of the 
course, very high states of excitement, pain, and even 
inflammation of the parts involved in the original 
malady. This may be encouragement to persever- 
ance; but it may also prove extremely hazardous. 
The following case from Dr. Peez will exemplify 
this remark : 

" The abdomen of a lady aged fifty two years, hav- 
ing been aflMcted for a long time with fldhora abdo- 
7ninalis, began at last to swell and grov/ hard, her 
complexion being tinged with a greyish-yellow color, 
whilst her organs of digestion were impaired at the 
same time. She was particularly alarmed by occa- 
sional palpitaiions of her heart, most commonly trou- 
bling her at night and obliging her to quit her bed. 
Having batbed in, and drunk our thermal water, the 
palpitation grew more violent and rendered it neces-. 
sary that a small quantity of blood should be taken 
from her occasionally. 

" In the third week of the course, she was seized 
with a copious purgatiooi of morbid secretions, when 
the palpitations vanished — the abdomen became saft 
— the complexion cleared — aiad she was soon well.'* 

Now it is clear that this good lady labored 'ander 
congestion of the liver, jaundice, and loaded bowels. 
Nature rescued her from the heat of the Kochbrunnen., 



7S 



by a process which ought to have been instituted three 
weeks belbre.* 

I shall endeavor to shew in other places, that 
these crises, Spa-fevers, bad-sturms, and le-actions, 
described by foreign writers on the Spas, are ofien 
attributable to the want of combining some mild mer- 
curial alterative and aperient with the use of the 
waters. Many cures are prevented or rendered inef- 
fectual by the dread of mercury entertained by the 
German physicians. 

We shall now advert to the remarks of Dr. Rich- 
ter, who has published a very sensible little treatise 
on the Weisbaden waters, in the year 1839. 

Group of Disorders in which the waters, 

EITHER internal OR EXTERNAL, OR BOTH, ARE 
LIKELY TO BE USEFUL. 

1. Complaints having their scat hi the abdo-minal or- 
gans, and especially in the biliary apparal^is. The signs 
or indications of these are — acidities, eructations, 
furred tongue, troubled digestion, loss of appetite, 
sense of tightness or oppression about the stomach 
and bowels, after food; costiveness, or relaxed bow- 
els; congestion about the liver, wiih or without en- 
largement of that organ; hypochondriasis or hyste- 
ria ; haemorrhoids and their consequences ; irritations 

* In this case there was a degree of^ torpor rendering the 
ordinary remedies ineffectual. The heat of the Kochbrun- 
nen overcame that torpor, and restored to nature her lost 
energies, by which she was enabled to throw off this load 
of disease. It is highly probable that the timely exhibition 
of a suitable cathartic, would have relieved this lady, as the 
ten grains of calomel did Mr. Coleman, at the Hot Springs. 
There is a most striking similarity between this case and 
that of Mr. Tournoii-, who was relieved here by the Spout 
Bath. This lady was indebted most clearly not to nature — 
but to the Kochbrunnen for relief. 
4 



74 



about the kidneys and bladder; sequences of resi- 
dence in tropical climates. 

2. The various forms of Go7it, and their sequeTices. — ■ 
Besides the regular or periodical gout, Dr. Richter 
enumerates ihe multitudinous forms which it assumes 
when latently preying on difFereni organs and struc- 
tures. There is no end to the Proieian features of 
masked gout — extending as they do from the terrific 
lacerations of tic douloureux down to the ir.ost ano- 
malous morbid feeling, whether iniernal or external. 
"In all ihese," Dr. R. avers, "the waters and baths of 
Weisbaden aie eminently beneficial." The baths, 
when assisted by the mternal use of the waters, bring 
anomalous and latent gout into its proper place and 
form— into the extremities, thus relieving the interior, 

3. Paralysis, general or local. The sequence of apo- 
plectic attacks, or the consequences of metastases of 
gout, rheumatism, or cutaneous eruptions from the 
surface to the brain or spine — also those paralytic 
affections occasioned by the poisons of lead,* arsenic, 
mercury, &c. or contusions or other injuries of the 
head and back. Dr. Richter cautiously observes that, 
during the use of the Weisbaden waters for the fore- 
going class of complaints, it will often be necessary 
to bleed, cup, or leech, as well as to take aperient 
medicines from time to time, under the guidance of 
the medical attendant. 

4. Scrofulous complaints, of all kinds and degrees. 

5. Rheumatism^ with its various consequences. Of 
course it is chronic rheumatism that is here meant, 
with enlargements of joints, contractions, effusions 
into the capsular ligaments, &c., which attend on and 
follow that painful class of diseases. 

I shall close this chapter with an extract from a 
little work on the Spa of Nassau, published in 1839, 
by my friend, Mr. Lee, who practised three years at 

* See the case of Mr. Lewis. 



75 

Weisbader., and made himself well acquainted with 
the remedial efficacy of these waters. 

"The waters of Weisbaden are highly beneficialin 
all those nervous pains recurring in paroxysms affect- 
ing the branches of particular nerves of the face, 
head, or extremities, to which the term neuralgia or 
tic is generally applied, and which not unfrequently 
originate from a rheumatic or gouty diathesis, from 
the suppression of habitual discharges, or of cuta- 
neous eruptions — which causes, thongh perhaps some- 
what exaggerated by continental practitioners, are 
not sufficiently attended to in England — are more 
likely to be relieved and cured by a properly directed 
course of mineral waters, than by pharmaceutical 
remedies or local applications. To many of these 
cases Weisbaden would be exceedingly applicable, 
especially when the functions of the skin are slug- 
gishly performed, and there exists a congested state 
of the abdominal or pelvic viscera, with retardation, 
or irregularity of the periodical secretion in females. 

" The state of abdominal plethora, with congestion 
of the liver, and obstruction in the circulation of the 
vena porlse, with its consequence, as impaired diges- 
tion, deftcient or vitiated biliary secretion, piles, &c. — 
occurring for the most part in persons about or beyond 
the middle period of life, who have been addicted to the 
pleasures of the table, and marked by more or less pro- 
tuberance of the abdomen, with diminished muscular 
and nervous energy — is one well calculated to be re- 
lieved by the use of the Weisbaden waters internally 
and externally employed. The baths by exciting the 
activity of the nervous and vascular systems, and by 
determining powerfully to the surface, tend most ma- 
terially to equalize the circulation and remove the 
internal congestion, while by the internal use of the 
water, the secretions of the mucous membranes, of 
the alimentary canal, of the liver and kidneys, are 
improved in quality, and often perceptibly increased 
in quantity ;— at the same time that the mesenteric 



76 



glands and absorbent vessels are stimulated to in- 
creased activity, and the digestion is consequently 
improved. Even when, under these circumstances, 
the drinking of the water is not followed by immediate 
sensible effects either upon the bowels or 'kidneys, it 
is frequently not the less efficient on that account, 
and unless some inconvenience be experienced, it 
should be persisted in, as after a certain time copious 
critical cvacuatiojis* will often occur, and be followed 
by immediate relief; whereas were similar effects 
produced by artificial means, as the exhibition of 
drugs, the relief would only be temporary and the fre- 
quent repetition of the same or analogous measures, 
would be necessary, and would tend but little to the 
permanent amelioration of the patient. In several of 
these cases, especially where there exists hardness or 
tension in the region of the liver, spleen, or in other 
parts of the abdomen, the douche will be of material 
assistance in the treatment." 

"In many cases of paralysis, baths of mineral wa- 
ters offer the most efficient, and often the only means 
of arousing the nervous energy of the system, and of 
the paralyzed parts; and few have a more beneficial 
influence in this v\ray than those of Weisbaden; but 
here again it cannot always be determined before- 
hand, that baths of this kind will be more effectual 
than those of other springs containing but a smalt 
proportion of solid and gaseous substance, as the lat- 
ter occasionally succeed after the failure of the for- 
mer. In the obscurity which still envelopes the mode 
of action of mineral baths, this cannot be satisfacto- 
rily accounted for, except upon the principle of idio- 
syncrasy, or by the supposition that the disturbing 
action of a thoroughly impregnated spring is less 
adapted to certain of these cases, than the more tran- 

* See the case of Elliot Gray, at the Virginia Hot 
Springs, and that of the lady at Weisbaden reported by 
Dr. Richter. 



7f 

quillizing and sedative influence of a simple thermal, 
or slightly alkaline, warm spring. In most instances,^ 
iiowever, where there does not exist a high degree ot 
nervous excitability, or tendency to fulness in the 
cerebral vessels, the baths of Weisbaden may be used 
with great prospect of advantage; especially when 
•the complaint is of a rheumatic origin, depending 
upon the impression of poisoncms influences upon the 
nervous system, as malaria, the abuse of mercury, or 
'*he employment of this and some other metals of 
workmen ; as also in those cases, where the disease 
appears to be of a purely local nature, not connected 
with cerebral disease, but arising from deficient ener- 
gy of the nerves of the part, or of the spinal marrow, 
consequent upon exposure to cold or wet, or other 
analogous causes. Even in paralysis affecting a linib 
or one side of the body, remaining after an apoplectic 
seizure, baths of this and other mineral waters may of- 
ten be advantageously employed, provided there be no 
symptoms of cerebral congestion, or organic disease. 
Pletlioric individuals, and those whose digestive or- 
gans are disordered, will frequently require some pre- 
paratory treatment, previous to using the baths, in pa- 
ralytic, as well as in other diseases. These, then, are 
the principal diseases which the Weisbaden waters 
are more especially calculated to relieve, and in which 
their use in the form of baths and douches is the most 
essential part of the treatment. There are besides 
various other complaints to which the external or in- 
ternal use of the water, or both combined, is extreme- 
ly suitable, in common with several other mineral 
springs; but of which the peculiar circumstances of 
each case require to be investigated, in order to ena- 
ble the practitioner to decide upon the springs likely 
to be most effectual. Of these many scrofulous affec- 
tions will be cured or greatly ameliorated by the in- 
ternal and external application of these waters; par- 
ticularly enlarged lymphatic glands of various parts, 
and of the mesentery, occurring in children or young 



78 



persons of a torpid habit, with tumid upper lip and 
abdomen, a vitiated state of the intestinal secretions, 
and a harsh dry condition of the skin. Here the ex- 
citing and resolvent powers of the waters are exceed- 
ingly effectual, by improving and augmenting the 
secretions of the alimentary canal, and of the skin ; 
and, by stimulating the absorbent and vascular sys- 
tems, mostly cause the speedy diminution of glandu- 
lar or bony swellings. 

"Another case in which the Weisbaden springs are 
often eminently serviceable, is, where there is a gene- 
ral disordered state of the health, without the exist- 
ence of any actual disease, or material derangement 
of any particular functions, except perhaps impaired 
digestive powers — as is very frequently seen in Lon- 
doners, and inhabitants of other large cities, closely 
engaged in trading, mercantile or professional occu- 
pations; as also in those who have been resident in a 
tropical or unhealthy climate; such a state, though 
relieved and palliated for a time by medicines, not 
unfrequently terminates in serious functional or struc- 
tural disease, if allowed to continue for a long period — 
and nothing v/ould tend more effectually to its remo- 
val than lempoiary absence from the cares of avoca- 
tion, change of air and mode of life and the employ- 
ment of a mineral spring like Weisbaden, followed 
by that of a chalybeate water, in those cases where 
it is not counter-indicated. 

"The suppression or painful performance of peri- 
odical functions peculiar to females, is frequently be- 
nefited by the Weisbaden baths; especially, if the 
cause be cold, checked perspiration, or a congested 
state of the abdominal or pelvic viscera. 



n 



WILDBAD. 

The highest temperature at Wildbad is 100 deg. of 
Fahrenheit. 

"It is to be remembered that a majority of the 
bathers experience the reaction fever in the course of 
the treatment. The period of its occurrence is uncer- 
tain, and often it is so slight as to pass almost unob- 
served by the patient. This, however, is the critical 
moment precursory of the cure. This state of irrita- 
tion seldom lasts more than a few days, and generally 
disappears without any internal medicine. This re- 
action is precisely that which ought to inspire the 
greatest hopes in the patient, as it announces a change 
in his constitution and a victory over his malady. 
The disagreeable sensation, however, which he leels, 
often puts him out of humor with the baths, especially 
if old pains and discomforts, that had ceased, now re- 
appear, which they often do. He becomes impatient 
and morose when he is revisited by rheumatic pains, 
neuralgia, gout, haemorrhoids, &c., which he had 
thought to be extinct. Such reaction, however, is 
itidispensable towards the victory of nature and the 
baths over the disease for which they were employed. 
The waters of Wildbad, indeed, are remarkable for 
this reproduction of old disorders, at the moment they 
are eradicating the more recent ones."— Z>/-. Hci?n. 

These most important properties of the waters oi 
Wildbad, says Dr. Johnson, are passed entirely unno- 
ticed by Dr. Granville, and from my own knowledge, 
several English have left Wildbad, at the very time 
they were on the point of experiencing the greatest 
benefits. This reaction, or bath fever, is common, as 
I have shown, to most of the medical waters, as was 
seen under the head of Weisbaden, Kissengen, &c. 



80 



At the former place I saw several well marked in- 
stances of it and satisfied myself ot its reality. I 
have not found any description of it in the accounts 
of the German Spas published in England. It is a 
subject of the greatest importance to the invalid. 

The following case is related by Dr. Kaiser, for- 
merly director of these baths. I have greatly abridged 
it. 

An officer aged twenty-six years, fell down a flight 
of stone stairs, and pitched on the right haunch, or hip 
bone. He was stunned to insensibility, from which 
he slowly recovered. When examined, the right leg 
and thigh were cold as ice ; but no fracture or dislo- 
cation could be discovered. He was confined several 
weeks to his bed, and then could only hobble about 
on crutches with great pain. At length he was able 
to dispense with the crutches, but every motion of the 
limb caused great agony. He tried the waters and 
baths of Weisbaden, but experienced no benefit. — 
Thirteen months after the accident, and when the 
excruciating pains had rather gained than lost lorce, 
he came to Wildbad. The first bath produced no 
sensible efl^ect. The second called forth some pains 
in the loins, where he had felt no inconvenience pre- 
viously. These augmented after the third bath till 
the seventh, M'hen they became so violent that he 
could not stand, and was confined to his bed. At 
this time he suddenly experienced a most painful 
sense of coldness in the right loot, which was suc- 
ceeded by heat, reaction, and ultimately a profuse 
perspiration over the whole limb, and even in the 
loins. From that time he was able lo move the leg 
without pain, and quickly regained the power of walk- 
ing without a stick. 

The Wildbad baths are celebrated for the removal 
of those various pains and aches which not seldom 
attend old gunshot and other wounds. A case is re- 
lated of an officer who had been wounded in the arm 
by a musket ball in the late war, and who was harass- 



Bl 



ed by pains in the site of the wound for man)^ years 
afterwards. The use of the Wildbad baths re-opened 
the wound, from whence a piece of flannel was dis- 
charged, and the pains ceased. 

These waters are considered to be specific in cer- 
tain female complaints which are difficult of removal, 
and subversive of health in too many instances. 

It is to be remarked, thai it is not in all persons 
that the reaction above alluded to takes place. In 
many there is a gradual amelioration of health, with- 
out any perturbation of ihe constitution and only 
marked by an increased action in the functions of the 
skin and kidneys — someiimes of the bowels.* 

" On the other hand," says Professor Heim, "where 
the malady is obstinate, there is a greater struggle in 
the constitution attended wiih considerable fever, dis- 
order of the secretions, irritation of the nervous sys- 
tem, full pulse, restless nights, distressing dreams, loss 
of appetite, dry hot skin, occasional hsemorrhoidal 
discharges, purging, gouty attacks, cutaneous erup- 
tions, &c., which precede a restoration of health." 

These are trials which require the fortitude of the 
patient, and the vigilance ol the physician. It is not 
to be wondered at, that when they occur in the stran- 
ger and especially in the English invalid, who has 
little confidence in the foreign practitioner, and finds 
himself ill in a secluded valley like that of Wildbad, 
great alarm should be produced, and much prejudice 
raised against the baths and waters of the place. 
The worst of it is, that a similar train of disorders 
may arise from an injudicious use of the baths, and 
where no salutary crisis is the result. 

These are circumstances which ought lo be pointed 
out to our countrymen and women, who are too often 
led to distant mineral waters and baths by flowery 
descriptions and miracalous cures, without any warn- 

* See the cases of Messrs. Carlton — Carter — Brent — 
Hamlin. 



8i 



ing as to the consequences that may ensue — whether 
salutary or dangerous. The concealment of this Spa 
or bath fev^er, is any thing but beneficial either to the 
waters or the water-drinkers. It deceives the one 
and injures the reputation of the other. The local 
physicians of these mineral springs never omit to 
point out the consequences of batliing in and drinking 
ihe waters, as I have already shown by several quo- 
tations; and it is highly desirable that all Spa-goers 
should be aware of them. 

Cutaneous eruptions are frequent consequences of 
the WiJdbad waters, and are considered salutary. 
The kidneys, next to the skin, show the greatest sen- 
sibility to the action of these waiers. In some people 
(especially where the waters are drunk as well as 
bathed in,) a most copious and clear secretion is pro- 
duced; but this is seldom a critical or saluiary dis- 
charge. It is when the secretion from the kidneys is 
deep colored, sedimcntous, and exhaling a peculiar 
odor, especially in gouty subjects, that benefit may 
be confidently anticipated. The bowels are seldom 
acted on by these waters— more frequently, indeed, 
constipation is the result, requiring aperient medi- 
cine both before and during the course. " The hemor- 
rhoidal and monthly periods are promoted by the 
waters, thus relieving plethoric fulness of the abdo- 
minal organs. 

In dispositions to rheumatism, er}'sipelas, cuta- 
neous complaints, catarrhal affections, neuralgia, 
chlorosis, (green sickness,) tubercles, scrofula, diffi- 
cult and premature accouchments, the waters of 
Wildbad are strongly recommended. 

Professor Heim warns the patient not to be discou- 
raged, even if he leaves the waters unrelieved, or 
worse than when he commenced the course. The 
cure will often follow, when the individual has regain- 
ed his home, weeks or months after leaving Wildbad. 



83 



Disorders for which the waters of Wildbad 
are chiefly used. 

Dr. Fricker has laid open to Professor Heim the 
records of twent)^-five years' observation and expe- 
rience of these waters : from which, and also from his 
own practice, the latter physician has, in ten chap- 
ters, classified the maladies for which the baths and 
waters have been employedj detailingnumerous cases, 
and superaddinij commentaries of his own. It will 
be necessary to skim lightly over the heads of these 
chapters, in order to shew the properties of the Wild- 
bad Spa in its direct application to practice, 

1, Rheumatism , Gout, and their consequences. "Our 
baths have always maintained great reputation for 
the cure of these tv/o classes of tormenting maladies, 
arising from different causes, but presenting many 
traits of character in common." The author cautions 
the bather against using the baths, w here there is any 
acuie or even subacute inflammation in the joints, 
muscles, or internal organs. It is in the chronic and 
painful forms of gout and rheumatism, together with 
their numerous consequences, that the Wildbad wa- 
ters will be found beneficial — indeed, according to the 
authors abovementioned, almost infallibly curative, 
Messrs. Fricker and Heim trace many cases of tic, 
vertigo, deafness, affections of the sight, asthmatic 
coughs, intermissions of pulse, tracheal and bronchial 
affections, &c. to suppressed gout, and rheumatism, 
as they are often removed by the baths and waters. 

2. Affections of the Spinal Marrow, and its consequen- 
ces, Paralysis. Diseases of the spinal marrow are sel- 
dom recognised in their early stages, not indeed till 
the symptoms of paralysis begin to show themselves 
in the limbs. This class of complaints is daily aug- 
menting in number, as the baths of Wildbad can tes- 
tify. These waters have, says M. Heim, often dissi- 
pated the symptoms which usually precede attacks 



84 



of paralysis, and therefore, if used early, would be 
more useful than when taken after the paralysis is 
actually developed. But even here, it is averred that 
the progress of the malady is frequently arre.^ted, and 
an amelioration procured. 

When the paralysis of the lower extremities is 
complete — when the individual is no longer able to 
walk or stand, without assistance, the waters of Wild- 
bad have often produced wondeiful effects in restor- 
ing power — indeed, it is curious that, according to tho 
physicians aforesaid, these baths are frequently more 
successful in these cases than in those which are not 
so far advanced towards a complete paralysis. An 
immense number of cases are detailed by Dr. Heim 
under this head; and I am tempted to extract one, 
which is the case of a countryman of our own, 

"A young English gentleman, after bathing in a 
river the water of which was very colJ, became com- 
pletely paralytic of the lower extremities. He came 
to Wildbad, and, withouL consulting any physician, 
commenced the warmest of the baths. At the end of 
a fortnight he found himself so considerably improv- 
ed, that he was able to lay aside his crutches, and 
walk by the aid of a cane. At this time the corona- 
tion of our youthful queen was announced, and the 
patient determined to assist at the ceremony. He 
bore the journey well, and returned to Wildbad after 
a few weeks without any relapse. He took a second 
course of the baths, and left Wildbad ultimately in a 
very improved condition." 

Those paralyses which affect one side only, are 
almost universally the result of an apoplectic attack. 
"When these attacks have been occasioned by sup- 
pressed hemorrhoidal discharges— eruptions of the 
skin suddenly extinguished, engorgements or obstruc- 
tions of the organs of the abdomen, female obstruc- 
tions at a certain period of life, metastases of gout or 
rheumatism; in such cases of hemiplegia, the Wild- 
bad waters have proved serviceable, and it is delight- 



85 



ful to see so many of these paralytics leave Wildbad 
every season with firm steps, although confined for 
years previously lothe couch or crutches." 

Professor Heim wisely cautions those who have 
been of a plethoric constitution, from too free an use 
of the baths, till they have ascertained how they agree 
with their constitutions. Before any amelioration 
takes place, the patient generally experiences some 
pricking pains and tinglings in the paralyzed parts, 
followed by a sense of heat, perspiration, and increase 
of feeling. To these symptoms succeed a gradual 
restoration of muscular power, accompanied by a 
sense of electrical sparks passing along the nerves. 
Numerous ca:<es of paralysis of one side are detailed 
by Dr. Heim. 

3. In affections of the joints, lumbago, sciatica, 
white swelling of the knee, contractions, &c. in which 
the baths of Wildbad are lauded. One caution is 
invariably enjoined — not to use the waters while there 
is any inflammation actually existing, 

4. In scrofula and glandular affections generally. 
In such complaints it is of the greatest importance to 
conjoin the internal with the external use of the wa- 
ters. These waters are much employed by people 
with goitre— and Drs. Fricker and Heim consider 
them very beneficial in enlargements of the liver, 
spleen and mesenteric glands. 

5. Wildbad appears to have attained some consid- 
able reputation in female complaints. Next, indeed, 
in number to the class of lame and paralytic patients, 
which r saw around the baths and waters of this 
place, were the chlorotic females. 

For the irregularities and obstructions that general - 
ly lead to this chlorotic state, the baths and waters of 
Wildbad are strongly recommended. Dr. Heim avers 
that, of late years, he has only failed in one instance to 
bring these females to a state of regularity and health 
—where no organic disease existed. Although this 
is rather a startling assertion, yet the concourse of 



female invalids to this place, bearing such unequivo- 
cal marks of a particular class of ailments, offers a 
fair presumption that many receive benefit there, else 
the numbers would diminish instead of increasing 
from year to year. I can also easily believe that a 
course of these baths, with the daily ingurgitalion of 
large potions of a simple diluent water, may remove 
many obstructions, and, at all events, bring the con- 
stitution into that condition in which some good cha- 
lybeate, as Schwalbach, Spa, or Brockenau, might 
exert a powerful influence on the restoration of health. 

I have now presented the reader with all the infor- 
mation I could collect on the spot, from the conver- 
sations and writings of those best acquainted with 
the nature and properties of the watets. A consider- 
able number of the English leave Wildbad in a day 
or two after arriving there — and of the few who take 
the waters, the majoriiy become alarmed at the Spa- 
fever or irritation, and abandon the waters at the very 
time they are likely to prove serviceable. — Dr. J. 
Johnson. 

Note — This is almost an every day occurrence at 
the Virginia Hot Springs. 



87 



CARLSBAD. 



Dr. Granville, The highest temperature is 167 
Fahrenheit. 

It will be sufficient for my purpose to state generally 
that those waters exert their principal sanative action, 
1st, on all chronic affections which depend on debildy 
of the digestive organs, accompanied by ihe accumu- 
lation of improper secretions; 2dly, on all obstruc- 
tions, particularly of the abdomen, which, as Dr. 
Beecher, the oracle of Carlsbad, observes, they resolve 
and disperse; 3dly, on the acrimony of the blood, 
which they correct, alter, and evacuate, or drive 
toward the extremities and surface of the body; 4ihly, 
on gravelly and calculous deposits; 5lhly, on many 
occult and serious disorders, the nature of which is 
not readily ascertained until afier the partial use of 
the waters, such as tic douloureux, spasms, gout, &c. 

Looking to this general classification alone it is 
impossible, even for the most uninstructed not to see 
at once, that nearly two-thirds of the diseases which 
man in his civilized state is heir to, under a lingering, 
chronic^ and often painful form, may find relief in the 
use of the waters of this Spa. My own experience 
warrants me in commending the Carlsbad waters in 
all obstinate cases of induralion, tumefaction, tender- 
ness, and sluggish action of the liver; in supressed 
gout; in paralysis, when not attended with fulness of 
blood or an undue determination to the head ; in cases 
of tic douloureux and nervous disorders, in obstruc- 
tions of the glands of the mesentery, and in those 
engorgements of the spleen and distended state of 
the splenetic vessels, which are much more common 
in females than medical men appear to be aware of. 



88 



Dr. Johnson. The Carlsbad baths, which are 
much more used than formerly, often bring forward 
masked gout, rheumatism, or neuralgic pains, that had 
lain more or less dormant in the system for months 
or years. Before quitting these celebrated waters, I 
must take a short notice of a little work just published 
by a rising young physician of Carlsbad, whose ac- 
quaintance 1 had the pleasure of making. 

The medicinal powers of the Carlsbad waters are 
the following: 1st, They invigorate the primse vise, 
and dislodge from them all impurities and accumula- 
tions. Hence in various forms of dyspepsy, arising 
from a sedentary life, from torpor of the bowels, &c. 
they are especially useful— also in chronic jaundice, 
obstinate headaches, attended with constipation, &c. 
In all obstructed and iiifarcted states of the abdomi- 
nal viscera, the use of these waters may be recom- 
mended. Henoe in many cases of hypochondriasis 
and hemorrhoids they are beneficial— also in enlarge- 
ments of the liver J sjAcen, and mesenteric glands. 

In addition to these maladies we may enumerate 
many cases of suppressed and difficult inensiruation — 
diseases which are so often dependant upon accumu- 
lations in the bowels, and general torpor and plethora 
of the system. 2dly, The Carlsbad waters have the 
effect of freeing the blood of acrimonious particles, 
either by neutralizing them and discharging them out 
of the body, or by causing a metastasis or determina- 
tion of them to the joints or to the skin. Hence in 
various form of internal gout and reheumatism they 
are singularly useful; the disease being often drawn 
from the internal viscus which may happen to be 
affected, to some outward part. 3,dly, The Carlsbad 
waters cleanse the urinary passages of calculous de- 
posits. And lastly, they often effect a cure in a num- 
ber of anomalous diseases, whose causes are not 
known, and to which indeed a name cannot be given ; 
as for example, loss of power and feeling in the limbs, 
a tendency to syncope, followed by cramps — some 



89 



cases of epilepsy and asthma ; also in certain disturb- 
ances of the mental functions. In all these cases, 
the Carlsbad waters seem to act as an alterative. 

Mr. Lee. From their powerful efl'ects on the mu- 
cous membranes, absorbent system, and parenchyma- 
tous viscera, the waters of Carlsbad are highly effi- 
cacious in the removal or mitigation of abdominal 
engorgements; indurations of the liver or spleen, fol- 
lowing acute disease ; hypochondriasis with consti- 
pation; piles; menorrhagia, and other derangements 
of the uterine secretion, not of an inflammatory na- 
ture ; enlargement of the lymphatic and saliVary 
glands; chronic gout, when accompanied by much 
stomach and liver disorder; long standing disease 
of the kidneys, with a tendency to the formation of 
stone- enlargement and chronic diseases of the joints. 



91 



VINDICATION OF THE PROPRIETOR. 



Shortly after the publication of my little volume 
on the Hot Springs, I met with the second edition of 
Mr. Burke's book on the Mineral Springs of Virginia, 
and on reading his slanderous statements and re- 
marks in relation to me, I addressed to him through 
the Richmond Whig the following note : 

To William Burke, Esq. 

Sir,— I have just seen youi- second edition on the 
Mineral Springs of Virginia, and as you have there- 
in recorded and given notoriety to some of the many 
false charges, which have been circulated to my pre- 
judice for many years, I deem it my duty thus briefly 
to notice one of them. At page 91> you say: "It is 
further said that Dr. G. in his professional capacity, 
has forbid patients going to the table, and then made 
extra charges for meals so furnished." 

Now, sir. there is a degree of turpitude involved 
in such a course from which all honesty shrinks ; and 
one might suppose that a man as well acquainted as 
you say you are with that system of lying which has 
prevailed so long in relation to our Spring owners, 
v/ould have received with some little allowance a 
charge so serious, and more especially when made 
against one to whom the least he had awarded was 
common sense and integrity of purpose. 

I deny that any such charge has ever been made 
under the circumstances, and pronounce the accusa- 
tion a maliciaus falsehood ; and as you have volunteered 
to give it a new and more permanent currency — by 
your publication and quasi endorsation — I can but 
View your conduct as more detestable than that of the 
cowardly character assassin who forged the charge , 



92 



for you could have learned from me the truth in rela- 
lion to it at any time in six days by mail. 

Your libellous boG~k will be further noticed in a 
hand bill, to meet the visiters now collecting at the 
different Springs. 

I am your obedient servant, 

THOMAS GOODE. 
Hot Springs, UtJi July, 1846. 

To this he made through the same channel the fol- 
lowing reply: 

To Dr. Thomas Goode, Hot Springs, Va. 

Sir, — I notice with pain a communication in the 
Whig of this morning, addressed by you to myself. 
You, especially, complain of the following sentence 
ill my work on the "Mineral Springs of Virginia." 
"It has been furthr:r said that Dr. O, in his profes- 
sional capacity, has forbid patients going to the table, 
and then made extra charges for meal's so famished." 
I could have wished you had given the \vhole para- 
graph, as it stands in connexion with the preceding 
and subsequent clauses. I will supply the omission 
" It is complained, that besides charging ten dollars 
for board, per week, he charges, in addition, for 
meals furnished at the cabins. It is apparent that 
the propriety of this charge depends, altogether, 
upon the fact, whether the individual is able to ap- 
pear at the public table or not; if he is, and is dis- 
posed to produce unnecessary trouble and expense, 
he ought to pay for it; but if he be an invalid, it is 
misfortune enough, without any additional tax. It 
has been further said that Dr. G. in his professional 
capacity, has forbid patients going to the table, and 
then made extra charges for the meals so furnished. 
We trust this is not so; but if it has happened, "most 
undoubiedly it is good cat;se of disapprobation. — 
Such reports should be listened to with great caution, 
for alas! there is too much proneness in 'human na- 



93 



■lure to exaggerate every supposed wrong." Now I 
<im at a loss to conceive how I have ''endorsed'''' these 
reports, which you must admit are widely extended 
to your injury, and to counteract which you have 
published a book which I had not seen, until my ar- 
ticle on your Springs was beyond my control. You 
have totally misconceived my intentions in regard 
to those reports, i desired to place them in .a tangi- 
ble form, that you may meet them in detail ; but 1 did 
not suppose that I was thereby incurring your dis- 
pleasure. I never did believe the iccusaiion you re- 
fer to, nor a thousand others equally absurd— and 
notwithstanding the rough language' you use in your 
letter, I feel called upon by a Sense of justice to you, 
■as well as myself, to express here my total disbelief ot: 
any thing more than some excitability of tempera- 
ment, to which the best men are .subject, but which 
has made for you bitter enemies— I am not one of 
th^se^; You have, hitherto^ treated me X^ath courtesy, 
and'! will trust to your sense of justice to acquit me 
-of evil intentions towards you. In the work of 
V/hich this communication is the subject, i have no 
cause of quarrel, except Avith one persoiiage, who 
has, for years, been slandering me in that region. 
To him I say— Come on Macduff! I am not the 
man to fear eollision, though I do not seek it. I was 
pieparing to soften my own rigid ifmscles in your 
bath, in a few days. It is a privation not to ilo so, 
b'ut is not the only one I have borne through life. 
Your obedient servant, 

WM. BURKE. 
R'tchmoiid, July 14, 184G, 

Notwithstanding the above di-^clairJier, the extend- 
<ed circulation of your book— the prejudicial effect it 
-has already produced and must continue to produce 
wntil met by contradiction, obliges me in self-defence 
to take still further notice of its contents. 

You seem, sir, to have been suddenly seized with 



94 



aa uncontrollabie propensity to redress the alleged 
grievances of some, and to regulate the busines.< 
matters of others. You are now a great stickler for 
a reduction of the charges at the Virginia Springs. 
Pray, sir, did you not in 1834 join most cordially .in 
raising the charge for board from S8 to SlO per v/eek "i 
Did you not continue that charge during your occu- 
pancy of the Red Sulphur Springs'? And did you 
not under that charge sink every thing of which you 
were possessed, and fail for a large amount besides? 
If under a charge of Simper week bankruptcy over- 
took you, how are the rest of us, staggering, as you 
say we all are, under debt, to sustain ourselves 
under a charge of S^ per week? I offer your fate 
as an ample apology for the charge now complain- 
ed of. 

Your remarks in relation to the rights of an inva- 
lid to sympathy and friendly attentions sre perfectly 
just: they are rights v/hich I have uniformly endea- 
vored to regard But your remarks in relation to the 
rights of an invalid to an e:>:tra attendance of servants, 
are perfectly preposterous. Will you pretend to say 
ihal because a man is afflicted, he has the right to 
come here and require from me a nurse to dress and 
undress him, to take him to and from the baths, to 
have his meals sent three times a day to his roon), 
and after all to have me charge him no more for his 
board and baihing than the ordinary price to those 
who go of themselves to the baths and public table? 
I admit, sir, that it is a "misfortune" for a man to be 
an invalid: but is it not much more just and equita- 
ble that every man bear his oivn misforture, than that 
aiie man should be made to bear the misfortunes of 
many, as you would have me to do, by making no 
charge for extra trouble, however great? With alt 
due deference to your opinion upon the subject, I 
should think common justice demanded that the ex- 
tra expense necessarily involved in accommodating 



95 



Many of the sick that come here, should be borne by 
the dck tkemsdveSj rather than by the proprietor. 

In regard to the difference in price between a bath 
here and at the Svreet and Warm Springs, I would 
ytate, first, that a temperate and pleasure bath are 
now but twenty-five cents each ; secondly, that my 
bathing establishment is more extensive, costing with 
the fixtures, about S5,000, and requiring six grown 
hands to attend it. All the baths— except the sweat 
bath — are spouts, and can accommodate but one 
person at a lime, or four persons per hour. At the 
Sweet and Warm the baths are larger, admitting a 
dozen or more at the same time, so that while we are 
bathing one, they can bathe a dozen and more, and 
of course cnn afford to charge less. 

The contrast which you have seen fit to draw be- 
tween Dr. Stribling and myself, involves a vile as- 
persion, and you stand, on your own record, the au- 
thor and sole cause of its publication. No sir- 
though I claim no exemption from the common frail- 
ties of our nature — it is not my u?ildndness, but the 
"thousand and one" slanders, such as you have re- 
corded in your book, that have kept so many stran- 
gers from visiting the Hot Springs. I once thought, 
sir, that I had reason to expect better things from 
you than giving permanency and circulation to such 
rumors — rumors of which you give no other account 
than, "// is said:'' while on the very next page of 
your book, "you aver that you have never v/itne^sed 
any thing in my demeanor that did not comport with 
the well-bred gentleman." You also state in your 
reply to my card, that "I have totally misconceived 
your intentions in regard to those reports. You de- 
sired to place them in a tangible form, that I might 
meet them in detail. You never did believe the ac- 
cusation referred to, nor a thousand others equally 
absurd — and notwithstanding the rough language I 
tise in my letter, you feel yourself called upon by a 
sense (?f justice to me, as well as to yourself, to ex-^ 



96 



press your ioial disbelief of any tliiag more than some 
excitability of temperament, to which the best men 
are subject.'' "O, consistency ihou art a jewel!" 
"You never believed the accusation referred to, nop 
a thousand others equally absurd— you only desired 
to place them in a tangible form ihat I mjght meet 
them in detail!" Why then did you not give me an 
opportunity to refute them in the very edition of the 
book in which you sent them forth 1 If "you never 
did believe" the accusations, and refutation was youj 
sole object in publishing them, would not justice to 
me, and simple humanity to those whose maladies 
might be removed by these waters, have indicated, 
the course suggested, rather than sending them abroad 
in a permanent form, to do both me and the invalid 
siill greater, i"3jury 1 Could you expect me to be in 
every place where your book might go, to refute its 
teeming calumnies? But you only desired to place 
them in a tangible form, that I might relute them in 
detail! Credat, Judseus apella— non egol! "You 
feel yourself called upon by a sense of justice to me,, 
as well as to yourself, to express your total disbelief oi 
any thing more than some excitability of tempera- 
ment, to which the best of men are subject:" if such 
be indeed the case in regard to my temperament, may 
not su.ch "excitability" have, been provoked, if not 
created, by. persons coming here with their minds 
poisoned against m.e by the accusations referred to, 
and also ei:pecting to find me an extortioner and 
churl, treated me accordingly! Hundreds of stran- 
gers, 05 visiting these Springs, have expressed their 
surprise otj Unding me to be neither. I have long 
known, sir, that I. had exQi,ted the implacable hatred 
of some to whom I have uniformly refused th^ privi- 
lege of occupying: a portion of my premises for 
gaming and licentiovsness,, and who have in conse- 
quence for years. been forging and retailing suach, ac- 
cusations as you specify in. ypui; bo.ok — b^Jl i,aiu 



97 



wholly ignorant of having given other persons aay 
jtist grounds for complaint. 

I can but regard your interference in this matter as 
unprovoked and uncalled for, impertinent and mis- 
chievous. 

But as you have assumed the office of censor, 
grand judge, and rectifier of tie morals of the day, 
filed a bill of indictment, and issued your citation 
against me to show cause why sentence should not 
be passed upon me at your next sitting, in order to 
enable you to judge correctly of the truth or falsity 
of the charges which you have docketed, and to de- 
termine whether the opposite to the character awarded 
to Doctor Stribling be indeed mmr, I invite your at- 
tention to the following communications — communi- 
cations from persons whose characters are above re- 
proach, whose motives must be above suspicion.^ 



Hot Springs, July, 1843. 

Mr. Editor, — It cannot be otherwise than known 
to persons visiting our mountains for their health, 
that there are many reports afloat highly injurious 
to Dr. GooDE, proprietor and landlord of the Hot 
Springs ;— such as his being exorbitant in his charges, 
rude and overbearing in his manners, and careless of 
the comfort of his visiters. By whom these reports 
were put in circulation, we do not know; nor has our 
acquaintance with Dr. Goode given us any reason 
whatever to believe them true. As to the accommo- 
dations here, we have never met with their superior 
at any watering place in the State; every thing about 
our rooms, cabins and baths is characterized by com- 
fort and neatness; a better table is seldom spread; or 
a more polite and attentive body of servants to be 
met with. And as to Dr. Goode himself, we — and 
some of us have been here several seasons in succes- 
sion— Aai?c/(?it?i(i him to be any thing else than lohat these 
5 



98 



reporU repi-esented him to be. We believe him to be a 
gentleman, as also a skilful physician, and we know 
that he is a kind and attentive one. And we can 
assure all who do not know him personally, that he 
spares no pains to render the stay of his visiters not 
only comfortable, but agreeable. Nor do we volun- 
teer this assurance upon a slight acquaintance: for 
many of us, and some of us with our families, have 
been here, as already mentioned, several seasons in 
succession. And what is quite remarkable, some of 
us are yearly beset at several points in our routes by 
the same persons with the same representations, evi- 
dently doing all in their power to dissuade us from 
visiting these Springs. What can be their objects 
Is it to benefit the sick and suffering, or whaf? — The 
persons who make them may believe the representa- 
tions; but we have never seen the slightest founda- 
tion for them. Again we ask, what can be their object 
in making them? We would not, however, judge the 
motives of their conduct. We neither justify nor 
condemn them for what they have done. If they 
stand justified at the bar of their own consciences, 
we shall arraign them at no other. 

Perhaps, howevei , you ask us our motive in making 
this counter statement. Our motive, sir, is obvious 
enough. In the first place, we wish to do justice to 
Dr. GooDE, who has been so injuriously and so per- 
severingly misrepresented; and, in the second place, 
as many invalids have been dissuaded by these repre- 
sentations from coming here, we also wish to disabuse 
their minds, that they also may derive from these 
waters the blessings that we have derived from them. 
There are many obstinate and most painful diseases 
which, we believe, these Springs, and these Springs 
alone, can reach and remove. Wherefore, to circu- 
late such reports as those mentioned, is not only tri- 
fling with the feelings and property of an individual, 
but is also trifling with ihe comfort, and perhaps lives 
of many. We, therefore, take this public manner of 



m 



contradicting them, and say to all invalids who think 
hese waters may benefit them, give no heed whatever 
to ih:se injurious representatiorcs, but come directly on 
and ascertam what our landlord and his Springs are 
for yourselves. We shall be greatly disappoilted if 
you ever lament your visit on account of any thing 
that you will meet with here. ^ 

We hope this letter will be copied by all Editors 
who would see justice done to a misrepresented gen- 
tleman and who also desire to see their fellow crea- 

w'<'"fl Y^'^5.''''^f ^^ ^^^ "^°st painful diseases 
that "flesh is heir to." 

James M. Morris, M. D., Louisa county, Va 

John Minor, M. D, Albemarle county, Va. 

Wm. S. WHfTE, Charlottesville, Va. 

John W. C. Watson, Abingdon, Va. 

J. Anthony, Buchanan, Va. 

Jesse L. Hopkins, Liberty, Va. 

John S. Dancy, Tarboro', N. C. 

Robert Norpleet, do. do. 

David Caldwell, Amherst, Va. 

J. J. Fackler, Hunts ville, Ala. 

Simmons B. Staton, N. C 

Samuel G. Ward, Clarksyille, Tenn 

Thomas H. Bullock, Lynchburg. 

Henry Mordecai, Raleigh, N. C. 

R. B Kirkpatrick, Philadelphia' Penna, 

C. Iaylor. do. do 

D. Bragg, Mobile, Ala. 
Wm. Walker, do. do. 
Richmond Terrell, Albemarle, Va 
G C Shattuck, M. D., Boston, Mass. 
W. H. Neal, Salem, do. 
Martin Tounoir, Louisiana. 

John Vowles, Charlottesville, Va 

Mrs. L. A. VowLES, do. do 

Mary E.Kelly, do. do.' 

^' JJ'^'^TS, do. do. 

E. DpNKUM, do. do. 



100 

William H, Terrill, Warm Springs. 
Hy. Massie, Alleghany. 
Thomas S. Gholson, Petersburg. 



Philadelphia, 9th Feb., 1846. 

I have lived at the Hot Springs with Dr. Goode 
for five consecutive summers, and for the last four, 
not only settled the bills, but superintended the whole 
establishment; and no charge was made on the books 
without my knowledge. 

One of the false reports which I was frequently com- 
pelled to contradict, was that of an extra charge being 
made for children eating between ihe regular meals. 
To the bsst of my knowledge, no extra charge has ever 
been made, nor has any child ever been refused a meal 
when asked for. But on the contrary, I have often 
heard Dr. Goode tell the children and their nurses, 
to go to the housekeeper whenever they were hungry, 
and which theyeither invariably did, or had food sent 
to their cabins whenever it was requested. 

It has also been reported, and the question has been 
frequently asked me whether Dr. Goode charges $5 
merely for telling an individual what bath to begin 
with'? My answer invariably was, / never kneio of 
sii>ch a charge being made. For the last four seasons, 
all the medical charges made by Dr. Goode, with but 
few exceptions, were paid to me, and in no single in- 
stance have I received a medical bill, without, to my 
certain knowledge, the individual having sought and ob- 
tained medical advice, and in a large majority of cases, 
medicine also was furnished. 

SAMUEL F. FEW. 



Dear Sir,— About to leave your Springs after a 
stay of seven weeks— justice to yourself, as well as a 
desire to benefit the victim of disease in pursuit of 



101 

health, induces me to leave with you the following 
statement, to be disposed of as you may think proper. 

Arriving at your Spring a stranger and an invalid, 
I found a quiet and most comfortable home, attentive 
and respectful servants, and in yourself an obliging 
landlord — and, judging from results, a judicious phy- 
sician. And when, after a few days' slay, the Viruii- 
cation of your former visiters met my eye, I was dis- 
posed to regard it as uncalled for — rhe defence of 
one conscious of his own rectitude and merits, but 
too keenly alive to the remarks of the unprincipled 
and worthless. Subsequent events and conversations 
with persons visiting the various Springs, convinced 
me that the prejudice against you as a physician 
and proprietor of the Hot Springs was more widely 
spread than 1 at first supposed — not only tending to 
injure you, but unhappily calculated to deter the in- 
valid from using your baths, when the happy result 
to others similarly diseased indicated them as the 
surest if not the only remedy. 

The strangor will find the reports to be want of 
courtesy, rudeness of manners, indifference to the 
comfort of visiters, price of baths, exorbitant and un- 
looked for medical charges, &c. To such 1 would 
say, I found the charges for board, medical advice 
and incidental expenses only as advertised in your 
bills and as reasonable as at the other watering 
places in the vicinity. My long stay at the Hot 
Springs is the best evidence 1 can offer of the kind 
treatment I received. 

WM. SISSON, of Indiana. 

To Dr. GooDE. 11th Sept., 1846. 



Hot Springs, 11th August, 1844, 
Dr. GooDE : 

Dear Sir,— I design leaving here to-day, and should 
do violence to my feelings, were I to do so without 

6* 



102 



tenderins: to you my warmest acknowledgments for 
your truly kind and polite attentions to me since my 
arrival here. 

Among the many kind acts of your life, there is 
one for which I have been long wishing an opportu- 
nity to thank you — your kindness to my dear mother 
when she so much needed kind solace. I allude to 
the time of my beloved father's death. Yes, my dear 
sir, for your kindness to my mother at that time, I 
tender, and beg you to accept, the thanks of a truly 
grateful heart. My mother often alludes to it with 
grateful feelings, and desired me before I left her to 
remind you of it, and to present to you her respects. 
I am, most respectfullv, your ob't serv't, 

J. W. COTTER, of N. Carolina. 



Hot Springs, 10th Sept., J 844. 
(extract.) 
Of your kind and friendly attentions to me, I shall 
feel it my duty to speak wherever God in his provi- 
dence may cast my lot. 

D. G. DOAK, of Clarkesville, Va. 



Richmond, 2ith Nov., 1845. 
(extract.) 
Remember me kindly to Mrs. G. and your family, 
and accept for yourself the assurance of high esteem 
and unaltered gratitude to you and yours for your 
kind attentions to me while under your care. 

J. R. HARRISON. 



Essex County, 23^ Jan., 1846. 
(extract.) 
1 take this occasion to tender to you my acknow- 
ledgments for the kind and friendly treatment I have 



103 

uniformly received from you and your attendants 
during my several visits to the Hot Springs. 

GEO. WRIGHT. 



Albemarle, bth May, 1846. 

I beg leave to say that Mrs, Coles and myself were 
some weeks with you in 1844, and we do not hesitate 
to say that the attentions of yourself and family were 
of the most gratifying kind. Your cabins were very 
comfortable, your servants attentive, and your table 
as well provided as any we have ever met with in 
our frequent visits to the different mineral springs in 
our country. TUCKER COLES. 

Mrs. John Coles spent the last season of 1845 at 
the Hot Springs, and we cordially unite in the above 
statement. JOHN COLES. 



Prince Edward, M March, 1846. 

I have spent a part of three seasons with you at 
the Hot Springs, and remaining with you about three 
weeks each visit — it gives me pleasure to declare 
that I considered all the accommodations for your 
visiters not only good but excellent. I have never 
known any thing rude, overbearing or offensive in your 
conduct towards them, or any carelessness or neglect of 
their comfort. Your attentions to me and my family 
when I have had a part of them with me, have been 
uniformly and unexceptionably kind and polite, and 
we never felt the want of any comfort, which could 
be reasonably desired or expecied. 

HENRY E. WATKINS. 



104 



Extract from tJie Boston Medical and Surgical Journal 
of July 1, 1846. 

"The Hot Springs of Virginia. — A pamphlet of 
ninety-five pages— called the Invalid's Guide to these 
celebrated fountains of health — brings to recollection 
some pleasant excursions over the Alleghany Moun- 
tains, in by-gone times. Besides being a directory, 
this compact pocket assistant contains an account of 
the medical properties of the Hot Spring waters, 
with cases illustrative of their effects, together with 
an account of the medical application and effects of 
the waters of Weisbaden, Wildbad and Carlsbad — 
three of the most celebrated hot springs of Germa- 
ny, &c. This little manual is by Thomas Goode, 
M. D., the proprietor of the establishment. On look- 
ing over the pages, we regret to find that Dr. Goode 
has suffered from the misstatements of his enemies, 
who fain would have the public believe that he is an 
extortioner in regard both to professional fees and 
hotel charges. It was not necessary for Dr. Goode 
to meet such injurious representations, as no one, it 
is believed, whose opinion or influence is worth hav- 
ing, would be influenced by the stories of persons 
who fatten on evil reports. From personal observa- 
tion at the springs, from intercourse with invalids 
who have been under Dr. Goode's care, and, lastly, 
from an agreeable interview with him ourselves, we 
voluntarily offer our own rebutting testimony, and 
gladly improve this occasion for saying that the Hot 
Springs are powerful remedial agents, and the pro- 
prietor a judicious medical adviser. Sick or well, 
when from home, we never expect to be in more de- 
lightful quarters, nor under the euidance of a kinder, 
more sensible or upright landlord, than we found at 
the Hot Springs of Virginia." 



106 



This book is now before the public for the third 
season, and so far as I know, or believe, Mr. Burke 
has made no effort to protect me against its further 
injurious effects. All he has said upon the subject 
was drawn from him by my note of the 14th July, 
1846; and so far as he is concerned, his disclaimer 
died with the daily newspaper that contained it, while 
his book has been extensively circulated, creating and 
confirming the most violent prejudices against me 
throughout our whole country. 

The high rank claimed hj, and awarded io^ him 
in society, induced a number of visiters at the upper 
springs, both last summer and the summer before, with 
whom some of my friends were remonstrating against 
giving credence to and acting on these reports, to insist 
that they must be true, else such a man as Mr. 'Burke 
never woald have ventured to put them in a book. It 
is generally understood that he passes for the polite 
gentleman — the man of taste — the accomplished scho- 
lar — yea more, a consistent Christian— being a com- 
municant in a church ; and we can readily excuse the 
public for being slow in believing that a man of his 
reputation would deliberately prepare for publication and 
sale, coupled with invidious remarks of his own, defa- 
matory reports about another, which he did not" at 
least believe to be true. 

His book has been revised and corrected. It was 
intended, from its origin, as a guide book on which 
the invalid stranger might rely for tnJhful information 
in relation to the different Virginia Springs, and all 
that appertains to them — and no one can read the three 
last pages, under the head of the "Hot Springs," and 
escape the conclusion, that Dr. Goode is a fiend in 
human shape— that by his unkindness he has actually 
kept from the place two-thirds of the afflicted, who 
would gladly have sought relief there— that lingering 
disease itself is more tolerable than his insulting 
tyranny. 



106 



I deny that I have ever offered an insult or in- 
dignity of any sort, to any visiter at the place. I 
have laid out here, in purchase and improvement, not 
less than sixty thousand dollars, and it is absurd to 
suppose I would deliberately insult those who come 
to the place and cause them to leave. I deny that I 
have ever charged any one merely for tellihg him 
which bath to begin with. I have never brought a 
charge for medical services that were not first re- 
quested by the visiter and then rendered by me 

Durmg my residence here, fourteen years. I have 
presented but two medical bills above one hundred 
dollars, and in both cases the persons were confined 
here and under medical treatment from tioo to three 

nr.tr7^-'^fK^-n''^v'^ ^^^^ time, presented hm three 
other medical bills that amounted to fifty dollars each. 
We will, in conclusion, and for his own sake, in- 
vite this gentleman's attention to the admonition of 
^t. i-aul, That ye study to be quiet, mind your own 
business, and don't meddle with the aff^airs of others •» 
and we will then leave him to the further enjoymeAt 
01 his present dignified repose in the balmy shade of 
"iuL^S bankrupt law, and by which, "it is further 
said, he has protected himself against the payment 
of the equitable claims of confiding creditors, a mount- 
mg to more than forty thousand dollars 



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